Spend time developing others

The fourth of the LEADER behaviors, Develop, is all about what we do for others. I have found the best leaders I have met in my life recognize talent and provide support and opportunities that allow a person to achieve his or her highest potential. A leader recognizes his or her role as mentor and coach, finding the best people in the organization and setting them up for success. In short, great leaders have a passion for developing others.

Successful people use their strength by recognizing, developing, and utilizing the talents of others. – Zig Ziglar

This quote from Zig Ziglar exemplifies one of the most important (and most difficult) lessons learned on my leadership journey. We all get our first opportunity to lead because we show strength as an individual contributor. Many leaders carry this view on “expertise” with them.  They constantly try to show they are the “best” at doing the job. In truth, this is putting all the energy into the wrong place.  A great leader knows that he or she increases both reach and effectiveness by developing the talents of others.

Developing others takes on many different forms. Great leaders know how to use them all. For example, people learn and grow by doing, so stretch assignments are a great way to develop your team. Formal and informal education can teach new skills. Coaching allows a leader to share his or her insights and experience. What is important is that we find ways to make people “comfortably uncomfortable.”  We all know that the best workouts leave us sore the next day as our muscles rebuild and grow. Personal and professional development only comes through this same “pain.” Put people in situations where they do not know what to do but have the skills to get the job done. Let them skin a knee or bruise an elbow along the way. You will be surprised at just how much they grow.   

Leadership is providing inspiration and vision, then developing and empowering others to achieve this vision. – Marshall Goldsmith

However, development is not a spectator sport. You must provide the support, education, coaching and resources for success. Get your uniform dirty. Development is a key part of strong leadership. If you want to significantly improve your team’s performance, then invest time in developing them. Balancing and working all the elements of leadership engages the team and amplifies results. 

It is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed. – Harvey S. Firestone

That about sums it up. We make permanent, positive change and succeed by taking the time to invest in developing others. Here’s a challenge – Amplify your team’s engagement and performance through a purposeful and personal plan to develop each person. Take the time to understand everyone’s goals and objectives for his or her career. Understand your role as teacher, mentor, coach, and leader in helping each person achieve his or her personal best. Each team member’s success becomes your success. I find this one of the most rewarding privileges of being a leader!