Creating Leaders

One of the jobs of a leader is to create other leaders. Leaders are only as successful as their followers. You must earn the trust of your team members by demonstrating constancy of purpose, being reliable, displaying integrity, and giving of yourself.

Your organization should support your efforts by maintaining a mentoring atmosphere whose tone, pace, and values instruct managers and help them to achieve their potential. Great leaders are not threatened by the superior talents of the people that report to them. They attract and grow great people.

The personal gratification that comes from helping people grow into polished professionals is more motivating to me than the success of the business itself. This requires a deliberate approach to the cultivation of a culture that celebrates growth.

You’ve probably heard the advice to hire people that are smarter than you. That’s a good first step but harnessing that intellect and coaching your followers to go beyond their natural abilities and assume the responsibilities of leadership is the gift that keeps on giving. It is also an investment with unmeasurable returns. Great leaders develop other great leaders.