Teaching Your Leaders How to Lead
One of the biggest mistakes a leader can make is not giving
their up and coming leaders enough opportunity to take on leadership
responsibilities. Sometimes it’s from a
feeling of not wanting to “give something up”.
Sometimes it’s from not wanting to take the time to do some
training. Whatever the reason, it’s bad
for both the current and upcoming leaders.
Here are a few ways that leaders can teach and encourage new leaders to
lead:
1. Meetings – Have new leaders take on
small roles at team meetings, and then gradually take on larger roles. In the beginning, it may be participating in
a role play. Gradually they can work up
to conducting a training session.
2. Team Calls – As you are making coaching
or team calls, start by having your new leaders listen in. When they feel comfortable, have them host
the call, and you listen in. Eventually
they can take over their own team calls.
3. Newsletters – If you create team
newsletters to recognize your team and their accomplishments, allow your new
leaders to contribute by writing featured articles. It’s a great way to build their credibility
and confidence while having their name recognized and exposed to the team.
4. Conflict – This is one of the
challenging areas when it comes to training.
When there is conflict within a team, it is hard for a new team leader
to know how to handle it while making both sides happy. Offer to be on a call with all the parties involved. Hear all sides. Then let everyone know they need to think
about it and you’ll have another call tomorrow.
Call your new leader and ask how THEY would handle the situation based
on the call. Run through different
scenarios and give your insights based on experience. If comfortable, let him/her handle the
conflict resolution call, with you listening in.
Each opportunity that you give your leaders to lead
increases their confidence and abilities.
Once they are leading their team, it gives you the opportunity to
develop a new leader. Never be afraid of
handing over the reins to a new leader…it’s good for both of you!
Chris Case
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