One key aspect of leadership is how to develop others as a leader. This involves providing guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for growth and development. It requires being invested in the success of those around you, and helping them to reach their full potential.
A leader who is able to develop others in this way will not only see the benefits of their efforts in the short-term, but will also create a lasting legacy of successful, confident, and empowered individuals.
Your Leadership Style
I have assembled my thoughts in groups of 5 concepts, or strategies, if you will, to apply while building your leadership style. Download the extended document to gain insight on all five thoughts in each personally, professionally, and organizationally.
But for now, here are a few nuggets to begin.
Personally
Use and improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills consistently. All leaders communicate to internal and external stakeholders daily. Effective communication is critical for success in any organization. This is a personal skill set that leaders must master, no doubt about it. I suggest outside training should you struggle here. I believe non-verbal communication to be the key to success. The words we choose are important, but our tone, eye contact, posture, and presentation matter even more. Masterful communication skills separate the good from the great.
Professionally
Keep forward momentum with a positive attitude. While leading, the value of forwarding momentum is astonishing. Getting that ball to advance that first centimeter is the hardest, and from there, it gets easier. To allow slippage here is to invite failure. Forward ho!
Organizationally
Provide Vision. All organizations require a clear vision of where they are going, and this one-degree behavior is key to leading any group of people. Otherwise, any path will get you somewhere. But is that where you want and need to be?
Further Strategies for Effective Leadership
In order to develop others as a leader, there are a number of strategies that can be employed. One of the most important is to lead by example, demonstrating the values and behaviors that you wish to see in others. Additionally, it is important to provide ongoing feedback and support, helping individuals to identify areas for improvement and providing guidance on how to develop their skills. Finally
I have outlined my thoughts here in a structure: personally, professionally, and organizationally. Many of these topics transcend all three modalities, so let us not get too overly critical here. As you begin or expand on your leadership style, remember authenticity is your friend…always. As tempting as it might be to emulate another leader you respect, always be yourself.
A quick hint, to be vulnerable as a leader builds trust, and trust is everything.
Click here to download the extended article and find more depth and useable information regarding your leadership success.
