Blair Mlotek, co-founder of Cleo Social, emphasizes the importance of creating growth opportunities for employees in order to keep them engaged and help them thrive in their careers. As a leader of a boutique agency with a fully-remote team, Mlotek acknowledges the need to be creative in providing these opportunities beyond internal resources.
One way Cleo Social has effectively created growth opportunities for their staff is by bringing in external experts in areas where the leadership lacks expertise. For example, they enlisted a senior graphic designer to audit their accounts and provide feedback to help improve their design services for clients. This feedback loop not only enhances the team’s skills but also strengthens relationships with external experts.
Offering fast feedback is another strategy that Cleo Social employs to foster learning and development within their team. Instead of waiting for formal performance reviews, Mlotek provides real-time feedback during client calls or day-to-day tasks. Being flexible in how and when feedback is given ensures that it is well-received and internalized by team members.
Mlotek underscores the importance of finding a mentor for oneself as a manager or founder. Having mentors can provide valuable insights, resources, and opportunities for personal growth, which ultimately translates to stronger leadership within the organization. Mlotek recommends utilizing programs like The Forum and Monday Girl, as well as leveraging networking platforms like LinkedIn, to connect with mentors for professional development.
Ultimately, Mlotek emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to career and skill development for agency staff. However, it is imperative for leaders to prioritize creating growth opportunities to ensure the success of both their team and business. By being proactive in seeking feedback, leveraging external expertise, and investing in personal mentorship, agency leaders can cultivate a culture of continuous learning and development within their organizations.
