Last updated: November 2026
Managers play a critical role in developing their teams. Without effective leadership and a clear development plan, employees can become disengaged, feel unfulfilled or struggle to see how they can progress in their roles.
Employee development is most effective when it is tailored to the individual. People have different strengths, working preferences, motivators and career goals. A personalised approach helps managers provide the support each person needs to grow.
In his Harvard Business Review article, “Why a One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Employee Development Doesn’t Work”, Sydney Finkelstein explores how managers can take a more individual approach to developing their employees.
One suggestion is for managers to create a detailed record of each direct report, helping them keep track of individual development needs and opportunities.
This could include:
- Observations and assessments of the employee’s potential
- Preferred working styles
- Intrinsic and extrinsic motivators
- Career aspirations and development goals
- Feedback notes and ideas for future development
- Relevant industry knowledge and experience to share
While this approach can help managers organise their development plans, there is more to effective employee development than simply keeping a record.
Why a “one-size-fits-all” approach to employee development doesn’t work
Just as employees have different development needs, managers also have different approaches to coaching and supporting their teams. A standardised management approach may overlook individual strengths, preferences and motivations. This can make it harder for employees to reach their potential.
Managers need to understand the people they lead. They also need the skills and tools to adapt their approach, provide meaningful feedback and create development opportunities that work for each individual. This is particularly important because managers play a significant role in employee engagement. Personalised coaching and support can help people feel valued, motivated and more confident in their development.
So, how can managers tailor their approach to employee development?
How can managers personalise employee development?
Enter Everything DiSC® Management is a classroom training and personalised learning experience designed to increase the effectiveness of people in management roles.
The programme helps managers deepen their understanding of themselves, their direct reports and their own managers. Using the DiSC model, participants explore how their management style influences decision-making, time management and problem-solving.
They also learn practical strategies to adapt their approach to the different behavioural styles of their team members.
Working with the DiSC styles
Understanding the different DiSC styles can help managers identify ways to tailor development opportunities to individual preferences.
Here are some ideas to get started:
- D-style employees: Consider development opportunities that offer the potential for meaningful results. Discuss the bigger picture and encourage them to set ambitious, relevant long-term goals.
- i-style employees: Give them opportunities to lead small groups or collaborate with others. Help them stay focused on their development goals and recognise the value of taking time to build their skills.
- S-style employees: Encourage growth in a supportive way. Help them build confidence in working autonomously and provide constructive feedback to support their progress.
- C-style employees: Offer clear, well-structured development opportunities. Explain the objectives and expectations, and encourage them to explore new approaches beyond their usual comfort zone.
These are starting points rather than fixed rules. Everyone is different, and managers should use their understanding of each individual to guide their approach.
How can Everything DiSC Management support employee development?
Everything DiSC Management helps managers view themselves and their colleagues from a fresh perspective. Participants develop greater self-awareness and explore how their management style influences the way they lead and support others. They also gain practical strategies to adapt their approach, helping them bring out the best in each person on their team.
The programme provides a shared language for discussing behaviour and working preferences. This can be particularly valuable for teams that experience communication challenges or differences between employees and leadership. When combined with a clear development plan and regular feedback, Everything DiSC Management can help managers build stronger relationships, support individual growth and improve team effectiveness.
As Sydney Finkelstein explains:
“When you embrace customized employee development, you become a far more effective and admired boss. You might even turn out to be an exceptional one”
With a clear plan for your team and the right tools to support individual development, managers can take meaningful steps towards becoming more effective leaders.
Find out how Everything DiSC Management can empower your managers to bring out the best in each person on their team. Get in touch with The Fruitful Group to explore how we can support your organisation.
