As a corporate manager I have always been challenged, like other managers, with a simple approach to assessing and coaching my team. The first half of my career felt like assessing was done by feel and goals set for the individual.
However, I learned to review the competencies of my direct reports from two clear spectacles. The view became much clearer. More important, the actions needed to improve them became clearer as well.
I am talking about our performance and potential. I have seen people barely tapping into their enormous potentials. I have seen people who have performed at their peak potential. A big percentage of people performing below their potential. A few are blessed with great potential and the ability to live up to them. In my entire career, I met only a handful of the last kind.
It all starts with understanding our potential. This is possibly one of our most challenging self-assessment. Often, we think too highly of ourselves. Ouch, the truth hurts.
Once we have a good understanding of our potential then living up to it becomes a simpler journey. Personally, it took me a while to understand my full potential. Once in a while, I need to reassess myself now and again. Often I reach out to close friends, who do not hesitate to hurt my feelings, for the truth. After the pain subsides, the feedback proves valuable.
I suggest you look at your team in a similar fashion. I suggest you assess yourself in the same way. How much potential does each have? Are they performing up to their potential?