Are you developing others into leaders?

How do you help others become leaders?

As a leader, part of our duty is to help our team members become leaders themselves.  But, how do we do that?  Everyone learns differently, thinks differently, and responds differently.  This presents a tremendous challenge when it comes to growing others.  In the #CJJblog this week, I give you some tips on how you can develop those around you into quality leaders.

• Role model.  Are you a good role model?  Do your actions match your words?  Remember you are always on stage and act accordingly.  Do you have a growth mindset?  Those around you will notice.
• Growth opportunities.  For your team members, you should: 1) Encourage them to attend leadership seminars, 2) Gift them a book you think they will enjoy, and 3) Bring in outside voices/alumni to speak with them.
• Curiosity.  You should be the Chief Question Asker (CQA) of your team.  Always remember to: 1) Build relationships, 2) Ask “How can I best support you?”, and 3) Think how you can be a better leader to them.
• Teach listening.  1) Listen more than you talk, 2) Help others with their mock interview skills and preparation, and 3) Teach others how to be interested.
• Goal setting.  Teach your team to be good goal setters.  Make sure you are consistent with team and individual goals and always have measurable check-ins.
• Delegate and empower.  Make sure to: 1) Give others the opportunity to lead, 2) Inspect what you expect, 3) Show you care (through follow-up), and 4) Share goals, but let them figure out how.
• Build Trust.  Have a specific plan in place and execute.  Each of your team members should trust you with every action.
• Why.  What is your why?  What is the why for each of your team members?  Make sure you have a Personal Mission Statement that aligns with your team.
• Accountability.  How do you develop and teach accountability?  What are the expectations?  1) Praise in public and critique in private, 2) Team accountability, 3) Outline who is doing what (tasks).

Did You Know?  Coach Jim Johnson will be delivering his Leadership Workshop on June 6th next week at a Wellness Conference at Livonia High School in Rochester, NY.

Life Tip #25:  Always lead by example