Discover hidden talent in your organisation

Look beyond the current role

A role profile describes the work someone does. A career conversation can reveal what else they can do. Ask about skills they have used in previous jobs, projects or volunteering. Discuss how independently they use those skills, what gives them energy and what they would like to do more often.

Ask for specific examples

Imagine a logistics employee who plans well under pressure, spots bottlenecks and enjoys helping new colleagues settle in. Outside work, they coach a football team. Ask how they explain tasks, give feedback and work with players at different levels. Coaching a team is a reason to explore coaching at work. A chance to practise in the new setting will show how the skill transfers.

Connect the skill to work that needs doing

Discuss which direction appeals to the employee. Someone who enjoys analysis could join a project to reduce waiting times in the warehouse. Someone who wants to support colleagues could help onboard a new team member alongside an experienced team lead. Agree on what the employee will do and what support will be available.

Use the experience in the next conversation

Afterwards, discuss what the employee did independently, whether the work gave them energy and whether they want to do more of it. Add a concrete example to their skills profile. For the next project or internal vacancy, you can then look for people with both the relevant skills and the interest to take it on.

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