Team Leaders can, however, contribute to their employees' development by encouraging, reinforcing, supporting and guiding the developmental efforts of each of their employees. While individuals are able to develop based on their own initiative, their efforts can be significantly enhanced with the guidance and help of Team Leaders who provide direction, resources and new opportunities for growth and development of key competencies. There are many obstacles that can interfere with the development of skills and competencies. Many people think that developmental activities involve missing work to attend training classes. Growth and development requires planning and hard work.
People feel vulnerable in developmental settings.
Many of the behaviors we exhibit are habits that have developed over years. Many of us think that development means working on weaknesses, which we do not want to expose to others. Many of us fail to set specific and measurable developmental objectives for ourselves. Development usually involves changing behavior patterns and change can be difficult. Many Team Leaders and employees feel they do not have enough time for developmental activities.