Blair Mlotek, the co-founder of Cleo Social, shared her insights on how to effectively create growth opportunities for employees within a boutique agency. She emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities for employees to grow and develop their skills, especially in a fully remote team setting. Mlotek acknowledges that she may not be an expert in every aspect of the business, such as graphic design, and therefore brings in external resources to provide guidance and upskill her team. This proactive approach helps enhance the quality of work delivered to clients and fosters a culture of continuous learning within the agency.
One key strategy Mlotek employs is to offer fast feedback to her team members on a day-to-day basis. She believes that providing these smaller opportunities for growth can be just as effective in fostering skill development as larger initiatives. By offering feedback in real-time, particularly after client calls, Mlotek helps her team improve their client management skills and encourages a culture of continuous improvement. She also emphasizes the importance of being flexible in delivering feedback, allowing team members to choose if and when they receive feedback to ensure it is well-received and internalized.
In addition to providing growth opportunities for her team, Mlotek also emphasizes the importance of her own development as a manager and founder. She highlights the value of having mentors who can provide insights, resources, and opportunities to become a stronger leader. Mlotek recommends programs such as The Forum and Monday Girl, as well as utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, to build connections and find mentors for both herself and her team. By prioritizing her own growth and development, Mlotek is better equipped to provide the same opportunities for her team to succeed.
Mlotek’s approach to creating growth opportunities for her team includes leveraging external experts, offering fast feedback, and seeking mentorship for herself. By bringing in seasoned freelancers to provide guidance on areas like graphic design, Mlotek ensures that her team has the support and resources needed to upskill and improve their work. She also emphasizes the importance of creating a feedback loop with external experts to make skill development a regular part of their workflows. By taking a proactive approach to employee development, Mlotek is able to cultivate a team of skilled professionals who can deliver high-quality work to their clients.
Ultimately, Mlotek recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to career and skill development for agency staff. However, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing growth opportunities for employees in order for both the team and the business to succeed. By creating a culture of continuous learning and providing resources for skill development, Mlotek ensures that her team at Cleo Social can thrive and continue to deliver exceptional work to their clients.
