Mia Perez, the chief administrative officer at Coastal Credit Union, emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing skill gaps in the workforce during her speech at America’s Credit Unions’ 2024 HR & Organizational Development Council Conference. Perez highlighted the necessity for HR professionals to guide employees in bridging these gaps to advance their careers.
Perez stressed the need for individuals to acknowledge their skill deficiencies, stating, “just because one is a really good ‘x’ doesn’t mean they’re going to be a really good ‘y.’ The gap between where emerging leaders are and where they need to be is wider than ever.” She urged HR professionals to support employees in enhancing their skill sets by being patient and assuming the role of a coach.
To bridge leadership gaps effectively, Perez outlined the four key leadership skill sets: cognitive, interpersonal, business, and strategic. She noted that while few employees possess all these skills from the outset, it is crucial to nurture and develop these capabilities within the workforce.
Perez underscored the significance of objective performance management in identifying areas for improvement. She recommended a structured approach for evaluating employees, which involves managers outlining specific criteria for success and providing clear feedback on performance gaps to facilitate growth.
In conclusion, Perez emphasized the evolving nature of career progression, stating, “what got you here will not get you there.” She encouraged HR leaders to foster a culture of continuous learning and development, reminding employees that increased responsibilities come with higher pay and a shared commitment to success within the organization.