Conversation Cycle: A Step-by-Step Plan for More Employee Responsibility

How do you set up a conversation cycle where employees discuss and divide the work and projects stemming from department/team goals? And in a way that takes their strengths into account?

Step 1

First, map out the strengths and development wishes of employees. This can be done using the questions below:

• What gives me the greatest job satisfaction? Which strengths are being utilized?
• What do I want to get better at this coming year?
• What do I often receive compliments about? What does that say about what I'm good at?

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Step 2

Discuss how to divide department goals among team members in a way that optimally utilizes and develops their strengths.

Because these steps leverage employees' strengths and satisfy their need for autonomy, the chances are high (almost a certainty) that they will easily and happily achieve the agreed-upon goals. In steps 1 and 2, the starting point is that managers only provide the objectives and the framework within which they need to be realized, and employees figure out how to get the job done.

“Employees want autonomy and freedom, but they also strongly need clarity. Providing frameworks, especially clarifying expectations, ensures they can focus on what truly aligns with their development. Even better is when people determine those expectations themselves,” says Kilian Wawoe, assistant professor of Human Resource Management at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

“Employees want autonomy and freedom, but they also strongly need clarity.”

Step 3

Distribute the remaining, less enjoyable tasks (‘the chore tasks’) fairly across the team. Because all work needs to be divided, the manager – although more servant-like and in the background – guides this distribution (somewhat).

Step 4

As a manager (read: dot the i's, employees have already agreed among themselves), formulate clear work-related goals and goals to stimulate and guide each employee's personal and professional development.

With this approach, the department/team plan is the result of a co-creation process by employees that can count on enthusiasm and support. Performance becomes flourishing.

Want to know more about how to set up a modern HR cycle? Also read our blog 'The modern HR cycle: tips, examples and everything you need to know!'