Time and again this blog has stressed the importance of inspiring employees and modeling desired behavior. This week will focus specifically on helping others to become more leader-like. This is not to suggest that you’re going to look for your own replacement, or that you’re going to add more chefs to your kitchen. The idea here is that well-developed leadership skills can improve overall performance, giving you and your team a better chance of success.
While some of your employees are naturally stronger leaders than others, it’s up to you to identify and assess their leadership skills. Consider that employees who exhibit sound leadership skills have increased potential for being successful and productive – in other words, valuable team members. Having said that, it’s no mystery that it’s in your best interest to seek out, foster, and encourage the development of leadership skills and characteristics in your employees.
Regardless of how rough or polished your employees are when it comes to leadership, helping them to hone their skills can benefit you both. But where should you start? Take a look at each individual and identify his or her leadership strengths and weaknesses. Once you have some kind of a baseline, you can apply your efforts and energy towards the desired changes. While not everyone will be able to achieve the same levels of leadership skills, any improvement will be considered as a positive.
Keep in mind that while resources such as books and articles, seminars and workshops most definitely have their place, you must take an active role in this endeavor. Your efforts should extend beyond modeling behavior. Empower your employees. Encourage leadership by promoting taking initiative and support responsibility. Make available the required resources as well as your own time and attention when needed. Most importantly, keep at it. This kind of undertaking will require time, effort, and consistency.
