There is a popular saying that goes: “What happens if I train my people and they leave?” to which the reply goes “What happens if you don’t train them and they stay?”. Developing people is a key leadership responsibility and an essential for retaining top employees.

Engaged people are better performers and, providing opportunities for growth and development are key predictors of employee satisfaction. But for busy managers what are the practical options for developing your people:

#1. Create a culture of continuous learning. One way of achieving this is to change your dialogue. When reviewing work ask “What did you learn?” rather than “What did you do?”

#2. Encourage problem solving. Shift from providing answers to challenging thinking. When someone asks you for an answer ask “What would you recommend?” or “What are the options?”

#3. Be a positive role model. I remember one GM who complained his Sales Reps never returned his emails. Yet he was the same. If you want to see change, be the change yourself.

#4. Delegate more. If you want to get more done, get others to do more for you. Start small and train your staff in the way you’d like things done, then progressively give them more responsibility.

#5. Encourage teamwork. When assigning tasks, pair people up or put them in groups, especially those who don’t regularly work together. The cross-learning that occurs encourages creativity, problem-solving and improves productivity.

Research conducted by the Gallup Organisation proves that engaged employees are more profitable, more customer focused, safer and more likely to withstand temptations to leave.

People want challenging, meaningful work; a chance to learn and grow; great co-workers; recognition and respect and, a great boss!

As a leader you can have a significant impact on engagement through how you develop your people. Try these 5 simple learning strategies to boost your team performance in 2017.