development discussion
19 Aug 2025
Mareike
Development Discussions at Work: Goals & Tips
Regular development discussions can be a decisive factor for employee retention in a company. They not only enhance the well-being of employees but also provide them with realistic perspectives and support for their professional development. In this article, we will give you tips for your next development discussion and you will learn more about why development discussions are a central aspect of management and what you should avoid in such a discussion.
What is the purpose of a development discussion?
As the name suggests, a development discussion focuses on discussing the professional development of the employee. The focus is on the future goals and wishes of the employee. The discussion aims to help the employee in their desired career development.
Some questions that are useful in a development discussion include:
How does the employee assess their own skills?
In which areas does the employee need additional support?
Are there specific career goals, and if so, what are they?
In what role does the employer see the employee? Is taking on leadership roles possible and desired?
Are there any particular characteristics that stand out in the employee's working style or behaviour? If so, what are they?
Why are development discussions so important?
In a development discussion, it is not only about discussing the next professional steps. It provides an open reflection space to assess one's own strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, it prevents stagnation and dissatisfaction among employees by offering them the chance to express individual ideas and needs. It gives them the feeling of not just being a “cog in the wheel” but of being able to actively take influence in their career and in the company. This is increasingly important, as many people no longer find it fulfilling to climb a pre-defined career ladder. They have personal interests and an individual vision of their professional path, which must be heard and acknowledged by employers.
Development discussions are beneficial not only for employees but also for the company. The development and training of employees enhance their expertise and thus the competitiveness of the company. Additionally, development discussions increase employee satisfaction, leading to better employee retention. This prevents losses due to excessive turnover. Regular check-ins also ensure that the skills and potentials of employees are utilized as effectively as possible while weaknesses can be addressed. Through these discussions, the company not only offers opportunities for its employees but also ensures that management is always up to date regarding employee satisfaction and team morale.
Tips for Employees:
Prepare adequately for the discussion. Some key points you should consider beforehand include your strengths and weaknesses, the design of your work environment/tools, which company goals you would like to participate in, what your personal goals are, and what support you wish to receive from the company.
If necessary, have all relevant documents ready for the discussion.
Speak openly about problems or obstacles in your everyday work so that productive solutions can be sought.
Make sure to accept and note the feedback from your supervisor to make corresponding adjustments in your daily work.
Take the time to calmly review the discussion afterward and go through the results again. Also, think about whether you have feedback on the course of the discussion and report this back to your supervisor if necessary.
Tips for Employers:
Development discussions are not a quick chat: Allocate enough time and hold the discussion in a quiet place.
Prepare accordingly for the discussion by gaining a comprehensive understanding of your employee's responsibilities and reviewing (if available) the notes from the last discussion.
Structure the discussion according to the GROW model. This includes the phases Goal (discussing personal goals), Reality (current situation and qualifications), Options (ways to achieve the goals), and Will (planning the next steps).
Try to actively listen and take notes to keep the content of the discussion in mind later on.
Remain transparent and honest, but focus on providing a positive perspective and motivating the employee.
Conduct development discussions at regular intervals, not just once a year.
What should be avoided in a development discussion?
To ensure a successful development discussion, you should avoid the following things:
Emotional reactions to criticism. The discussion should remain as factual as possible, even if space is given for the expression of feelings.
Inadequate preparation. A development discussion can only be productive if both parties bring content to the table.
Focus on negativity. To leave the discussion with a positive feeling and motivation for the next steps, one should not focus too much on negative aspects.
Not taking enough time. To resolve potential issues and create a plan for the next steps, sufficient time should be allotted.
Conclusion
To be successful in the long term, development discussions are a central aspect of the employment relationship for both employees and managers. When employees develop, the company also develops. It is particularly important to keep the needs of employees in mind to retain motivated and qualified professionals for the long term.