Work Matters S5E7: Dennis Adsit - The Generosity Gene

WorkMatters

In this episode, host Thomas Bertels talks to Dennis Adsit, president of AdsumInsights, about employee development.

Dennis explains why leaders should prioritize developing their employees. He starts by emphasizing the significance of people development beyond the altruistic perspective. Leaders who focus on developing their teams not only leave a lasting legacy but also benefit from improved team productivity.

A key point in the conversation is the lack of a coherent mental model for people development among many leaders. Dennis stresses that having a framework or mental model helps leaders systematically approach development rather than relying on random or haphazard methods, and shares his mental model for people development, which consists of five crucial elements:

1. Intentionality: Dennis argues that leaders don't develop people directly; instead, they create the conditions that facilitate self-development. Leaders should encourage their employees to be intentional about what they want to learn and achieve. He references Reid Hoffman's concept of a "tour of duty," where employees set specific learning goals for each project or role, enabling more targeted feedback and growth.
2. Setting Targets: The second element involves defining what good, better, and best performance looks like. This approach provides clear expectations and helps employees understand what is required to excel in their roles. Dennis recounts how Ben Horowitz's "Good Product Manager, Bad Product Manager" post remains a valuable resource because it clearly outlines the standards for success, emphasizing the importance of having a benchmark for performance.
3. Operational Reviews as Dojos: Dennis proposes that leaders should treat operational reviews as learning grounds, akin to martial arts dojos. In these settings, employees present their progress, receive feedback, and learn from their peers. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability, even in remote or hybrid work environments.
4. Tell Your Truth: Dennis emphasizes the importance of honest feedback. He acknowledges that feedback is inherently judgmental but necessary for growth. Leaders should focus on both strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that performance conversations are balanced and constructive. He suggests that employees should summarize their understanding of feedback and outline their action plans, which ensures clarity and accountability.
5. Leveraging the Job for Development: The final element highlights that the job itself is the primary driver of development. Leaders should ensure that roles are challenging and provide opportunities for growth. Dennis notes that being stretched outside one’s comfort zone is crucial for development and that leaders should look for ways to keep their teams engaged and continually learning.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the "generosity gene," a concept tracing back to GE’sJack Welch. This meta-skill involves a genuine delight in the success of others and is critical for effective leadership. Leaders who possess this trait are more likely to foster a supportive and growth-oriented environment, ultimately leading to a more motivated and capable team.

Dennis' insights offer a comprehensive framework for leaders seeking to enhance their team's development and effectiveness. His practical advice on fostering intentionality, setting clear targets, creating learning environments, providing honest feedback, and designing challenging roles provides a valuable blueprint for leaders looking to make a lasting impact on their organizations.

For more information on Dennis' work, including executive coaching and organizational consulting, listeners can visit his website: www.adsuminsights.com

This blogpost provides a good overview of his framework for employee development:

https://www.adsuminsights.com/blog/answering-the-call-of-the-generosity-gene-helping-others-grow

His latest offering is a service for to help leaders get off to the best start possible in challenging new positions:

https://www.adsuminsights.com/first-hundred-days