Strong leaders create strong leaders. That’s right – as the director of your organization, a critical part of your job should be empowering your other team members to take on leadership responsibilities.
Before we go any further, let me address a common concern:
NO, encouraging leadership amongst your team members will not in any way threaten your authority or ability to do your job.
In fact, empowering your team to take on more responsibility will actually increase the effectiveness of your leadership.
Here’s why:
You have a limited amount of time. It sounds obvious, but it’s a fact we often ignore. You as the leader simply cannot do everything. When you support your team in taking on leadership roles and responsibilities that align with their specific job and skillset, it allows you as the director to focus on the higher level tasks and planning.
In other words, you become a more effective leader when your team begins to lead.
Additionally, allowing your team the space and the freedom to stretch their leadership muscles can give them a sense of purpose and increase their overall job satisfaction. It can also lead to more effective collaboration amongst team members.
The more variety in ideas and perspectives that are being shared, the greater your opportunity for innovation!
Alright, time for the question I know you’ve been wondering:
HOW can you empower your team to lead? Here are a few practical tips:
- Model leadership
There is power in your example. Be present to your team and allow them to see you model important leadership skills such as thoughtful listening, encouragement, and self-reflection.
- Give them opportunities to lead
What can you delegate? Are there subcommittees that could use direction? Perhaps there are upcoming events that need to be planned? Find opportunities for your team members to take charge and take ownership.
- Allow for mistakes
Expect effort, not perfection. Your team will make mistakes, especially in their first forays into leading. Be patient and forgiving when those mistakes occur and model what it looks like to learn and grow.
- Offer support/accountability — but don’t tell them what/how to do things
Leadership and decision making go hand in hand. In other words, your team must have the opportunity to make decisions regarding the projects and tasks they’ve been given charge over. - Measure progress and identify wins/lessons
Data is empowering. Put systems in place to measure the effectiveness of your team’s efforts and teach your team members how to use this data to inform future decision making.
You didn’t become a leader overnight. Your success was grown one small step at a time. The same will be true for your team. As you guide your organization, take advantage of the incredible opportunity you have to walk with and form a new generation of leaders.
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Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
