One of the major responsibilities of any leader is to help raise up new and future leaders. There is little or no genuine success if the leader cannot lift up additional leaders. The task is far from easy but is absolutely essential for long term leadership success.
Encouraging developing leaders is not nearly as difficult as some might expect. Developing leaders are often the most passionate people in the company. These employees have a desire to make not only their career shine but to make the company shine as well. Here are some simple suggestions on how to offer encouragement to up and coming leaders within the organization.
Remember the need for leadership training
One of the areas that is lacking in formal education is leadership. Even the courses designated with a leadership title are often nothing more than studies of management. Leadership does involve management but also rises above the level of merely managing resources. The lack of training in leadership often creates an incredible gap between the leadership potential in nonprofits and the actual leadership success. Remembering that leadership is not always part of professional training is an important first step in encouraging developing leaders.
Offer additional training
Offering leadership training is one of the best ways to help equip rising leaders within an organization. There are a variety of ways to accomplish this task. Leadership training often happens with seminars. One of the best leadership seminars is the Chick Fil A Leadercast held in May. The annual event is a gathering of leadership experts teaching throughout the day on leadership. The event is held in hundreds of locations across the United States via simulcast.
Leadership training does not have to be at a specific event. There are companies that provide leadership training seminars on video. These video training sessions can be done at the leisure of the organization and revisited again and again as new leaders are developed.
Give leadership resources
Leaders can encourage up and coming leaders is to offer them resources to help them continue their leadership journey. There are a variety of resources available on the topic of leadership. There are audio lessons that provide mentoring on a regular basis. There are books and audio books that offer ongoing leadership training.
Provide personal encouragement
Leaders should always be ready to provide personal encouragement to newer leaders. Offering encouragement and providing ongoing support to developing leaders can help lift them to higher levels. Encouragement comes in many different forms and these are just a few ideas on how to offer that much needed encouragement.
* Tell them about the good job they are doing
* Let the people know they are needed
* Give examples of how they add value to the organization
* Offer public recognition of their personal efforts
Give support when needed
One of the biggest things that current leaders can do for rising leaders is to offer support. Assisting newer leaders will help them build confidence and leadership ability. Supporting new leaders when they need can help them to change and grow into greater leaders in the future.
Influencing leaders takes time and solid effort. Raising up future leaders is an investment of time and potential. Developing new leaders takes additional training, giving personal encouragement and professional support when needed. Investing in new leaders today can change the world for tomorrow.
