One of the biggest goals of a leader is to train and develop other leaders. This goal ultimately creates a culture that coaches and develops people to achieve their goals.
Effective leaders know how to accomplish task, meet deadlines, and/or mission sets, while at the same time taking care of their people. Basically, ensuring people receive the required training and education that will enhance their careers, but does not effort the organization’s workload.
In contrast, weak leaders who have not trained their people sometimes say, “my organization can’t do it without me.” These are leaders who believe they are the center of attention and begin to feel as if they’re indispensable. Likewise, you might hear: I can’t take a day off. I have to be here all the time. Who knows what will happen if I’m gone for the day?
What organization is going to stop functioning because one leader-no matter how senior, no matter how central—steps aside?
In the military, we loss leaders conducting combat operations; yet, the organization continues its mission. If leaders train their people properly, one of them will take charge.
Strong leaders (those with personal courage) realize their people need room to work. This doesn’t mean you let your people make the same mistakes over and over again.
Effective leaders help their people grow by teaching, coaching and counseling.
Leaders train other leaders to succeed by:
- Empowering and coaching.
- Training subordinates to plan, prepare, execute, and assess well enough to operate independently.
- Provide sufficient purpose, direction, and motivation for them to operate in support of the overall plan.
- Finally, check and make corrections.
Effective leaders are willing to take the time to help their people sort out what happened and why. (e.g. What happened? What was suppose to happen? What can we improve and sustain?)
Overall, effective leaders strive to create an environment of trust and understanding that encourages their people to seize the initiative and act.