Inherent in a leadership role is the responsibility to help your team members determine their career goals, grow within your organization and continue to feel engaged at work. It is important to talk about development early as lack of career development is among the top reasons individuals leave their current positions.
Career development conversations between managers and their employees often don’t happen until it’s too late — after the employee has already decided to leave the company.”
Source: HBR Ascend, March 27, 2023. Link. If and when the time comes that your direct report gains the skills and experience they need to advance, you will have done your job: setting them up for success in a role they find meaningful and engaging.