This is his story in his own words.
Early in 2021 a role came up in the Specialised Care Team and although I received advice that my skillset wasn't necessarily suited to the position, I accepted it. Looking back, the job wasn't the best fit for me, but it was exactly what I needed to broaden my skillset. It was while in this role that I adapted my IDP to be more specific. I needed firm plans about what I was working towards – a proper framework to succeed.
Filling in the gaps
Working on my IDP helped me understand where my knowledge gaps were. I took the chance while in the Specialised Care role to learn from very experienced team members. It was rewarding, though emotionally taxing as I was dealing with vulnerable customers. It gave me exposure to what some people have to deal with in life and the societal factors that can contribute. I've drawn so much on that understanding since moving into my most recent role.
I've now achieved my goal of moving into leadership, as a Contact Centre Team Leader, managing a team of people. My career moves haven't necessarily followed my IDP exactly, but the end result is the same and it's helped me focus on where I want to get to. In the past year it became much more specific, centring on being in leadership. It offered a really clear pathway, but I still needed to rise to the occasion. I worked closely with my Team Leader on preparation and learning modules to get where I am now. I would also do things like spend time with other leaders and ask what they find challenging, especially those quite different to me to get a fresh perspective.
Coming full circle
The best part of my job is offering support, watching people progress through their journey and helping them achieve their goals. My primary objective is to help others get to where they want to be, whether that's producing their best work in the role they're in, or aiming to progress their careers at ING. I don't sugar coat anything, I make it clear they need to work hard if they want to achieve.
You get out what you put in – it's as simple as that.