There's an old saying – If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there. The wisdom of this statement is evident, yet so few business leaders / managers consider its application when faced with the growth and development of their valued people.

A journey to an unknown destination is a risky proposition at best. Were we to be facing such a challenge, we would not take very much comfort from a simple description of the ultimate destination. We want to know the route, the landmarks along the way, the possible dangers we might face, and points of resource and re-supply that we could access as we go.

If we truly value our people, and wish to see them advance to greater responsibilities in the future, is it enough to simply provide a general description of the ultimate destination? Should we then expect them to arrive intact, refreshed and ready to achieve success?

Clearly, it makes more sense to provide some detailed help if we wish to experience success with their development. A ‘route map' containing details of the options – relative merits, value, risk, timings and costs, ‘goal lines' and potential impediments – would be so useful. It would also be very easy to compile since we've already trodden this pathway.

A key component would be the constituent dimensions of the positions and assignments which are stepping stones. A few moments of careful thought will bring these essential stepping stones to the surface, and will assist our protégés to recognize them in the ‘cut and thrust' of daily business.

A few well chosen questions about the quality of experience within each of these important dimensions would also be invaluable. A great mentor will provoke self examination in the specific areas that are, or will be valuable. The type of dimensions and searching questions used in Behavioral Interviewing – the basis for People Selection will be very helpful here.

It is also of critical importance to recognize that currently held, yet subliminal perceptions can influence your assessment of, and judgments about people. A brief, but revealing diagnostic could assist you in this regard. Take a few moments of your valuable time and invest in your ability to leverage the future of your organization.