Developing the Leaders Around You Ch 10

Leader's Lasting Contribution: Reproducing Generations of Leaders

• John F. Kennedy emphasized the need for successive generations of leaders, recognizing the importance of leader development.
• Common misconception: Leaders are born, not developed. Many assume new leaders emerge automatically, limiting their own potential and the potential of others.
• Crucial element: True leader success is measured not only by developing initial followers, but also by nurturing a third generation of leaders.
• Leaders who develop followers limit their influence to direct, personal impact. Leaders who develop leaders multiply influence and create enduring organizations.
• Maintaining continuity: Organizations that stop at the second generation of leaders cease growth.

Traits of a Potential Leader

• Leaders can effectively develop all types of individuals, regardless of personality, temperament, abilities, or background.
• Key traits for leadership development:
• Desire: The individual's initiative and motivation are essential, factors beyond a leader's control.
• Relational skills: Good interpersonal skills are foundational to effective leadership and are often learnable, regardless of initial personality traits.
• Practical skills: Leadership skills are acquired through models, equipping, and development.

A Follower Becomes a Leader

• Followers (e.g., Barbara Brumagin) can be developed into leaders with the right environment and support.
• Key elements for developing followers into leaders:
• Positive Environment: A nurturing climate encourages growth and learning.
• High Belief in the individual: Expressing faith in their potential encourages perseverance.
• Empowerment: Granting authority and responsibility helps followers assume leadership roles.
• Play to Strengths: Identifying and utilizing individual strengths helps instill confidence and momentum.

A Manager Becomes a Leader

• Managers (e.g., Dan Reiland) may require a different approach.
• Managers often focus on tasks and systems, lacking relational skills.
• Leadership development strategies for managers:
• Improving relational skills is essential.
• Expanding vision and thinking beyond the immediate task and focusing on the big picture is vital.
• Understanding different leadership styles and modifying approach.

Leaders Think Big

• Leadership involves a broader perspective, encompassing the development of others and the success of the organization.
• Key characteristics of effective leaders:
• Big picture thinking: Focus on the overall goals and strategy.
• Thinking in terms of other people: Prioritize the organization's and other's success over individual progress.
• Continual thinking: Embrace new ideas, evaluate situations, and promote growth.
• Bottom-line thinking: Focus on achieving core objectives.
• Thinking without lines: Embrace creativity and innovation.
• Intangible thinking: Consider intangible aspects like atmosphere, momentum, and morale.
• Quick thinking: Quickly assess and act decisively after gathering information.

A Leader Changes Leadership Style

• Leaders (e.g., Sheryl Fleisher) may require adjustments to their leadership style.
• Strategies for modifying a leader's style:
• Modeling better leadership styles: Demonstrate effective strategies for inspiration.
• Identifying areas of improvement: Recognizing and addressing mistakes are required.
• Gaining permission for change: Ensuring the individual is willing to adjust and grow is essential.
• Mapping the process: Provide a practical roadmap for implementing change.
• Providing feedback: Offering rapid feedback is crucial for adjusting conduct.

Developing Strong Leaders

• Strategies for developing strong existing leaders:

• Personalized growth plans: Tailoring plans to individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals.

• Stretching opportunities: Providing challenges for growth to overcome self-imposed limits.

• Mutual learning: Fostering shared projects for mutual development and advancement.

• Leaders should prioritize developing others as a continuous practice to ensure long-term success and expand their influence.