Grow
We want to keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a New Kind of leader. We want to create space for you to evolve your role continuously.
Mindsets
What are the agreed perspectives we hold about growth?
Your active pursuit of both personal and career growth opportunities benefits everyone. Recharge and learn within and outside your role. Then share what you learned with the team!
Habits
What habits nurture how we grow?
INDIVIDUALLY
Pursue interests inside and outside of the office
Do what you love. Follow your bliss.
See growth opportunities in the form of a tough project or conflict
Notice opportunities where you can step in and up your game. See challenging projects or relationships as fresh chances to get better at life. All feedback is a gift—listen and use it to make your work better.
Offer to take ownership in unfamiliar territory
Don’t be afraid to take on new projects, even when you don’t exactly know how to approach the work. Become comfortable in the “dragon pit” (“the place between what is and what could be, full of darkness, discomfort, doubt”). Ask for help when you need it.
Lead by example and lift up other people’s strengths
Become familiar with your peer’s growth paths and celebrate ways they’ve reached them using the #positive channel on slack.
Trust your role as a leader
You’re here because you do great work. Listen to your inner knowing. Know yourself as a leader.
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2 PEOPLE
Define your growth path with a teammate on a yearly basis, with quarterly check-ins throughout the year
Map out where you are in your current role, and where you’d like to be in the future. Work with a teammate to identify the gaps, and come up with a plan to get to the next level.
Encourage a teammate to take a course or try a new skill and encourage that same teammate to share what they learned
New Kinders have taken workshops with experts in the field (like David Baker) and through online resources (like lynda.com or General Assembly). Our library is full of knowledge, especially on branding, design, and storytelling. We also study photography, yoga, tango, flower arranging, comedy/improv, knitting, and coding on our own time. Your creative pursuits make you who you are. Bring them into your work however you can!
Find ways to put opportunities in front of another person
Keep an eye out for courses, workshops, or seminars that might help your teammates grow.
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3+ PEOPLE
Share knowledge regularly with the whole team
Take advantage of “special time” at our weekly team meeting to share what you’re learning.
Actively participate in team outings and activities designed to help the team grow together (article club, Umopen, etc.)
It’s so valuable to come together as a team outside of normal project collaboration. Show up. Share what you believe. Listen to others’ perspectives. Try something new.
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GAPS
If we believe growth opportunities benefit everyone, we need to set a baseline expectation of what each New Kinder does to ensure they are actively pursuing growth opportunities. Example: Annual minimum, Non-PTO time off.
