grow into that role is one of the highlights of my time there.
“Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.”
—Jack Welch
Talented, high-performing people long to be a part of a team that not only allows but causes them to grow and thrive. On top of that, they long to be coached by leaders who (1) see their gifts, (2) help them develop as leaders, and (3) allow them to soar.
A wheelbarrow is a small, hand-driven cart used to move heavy loads. Most of us have used one at some point, and they can be useful. But consider the unfortunate fact that many leaders take a “wheelbarrow” approach to their teams—meaning that the people in their organizations only go where they are “pushed,” and only do what the person pushing has decided. At best, this model is severely limited. At worst, it’s downright dehumanizing.
The late industrialist Harvey S. Firestone once said, “The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.”
But answering this “calling” requires more than just good intentions. First and foremost, it starts with taking time to see and understand the people on your team. From there, it requires you to intentionally find ways to come alongside them, helping them grow and thrive as leaders.
Difficult as it may be, in the end you will have
more people making meaningful,
Do you practice a wheelbarrow approach to leadership?
autonomous contributions without the need for micromanagement or other toxic behaviors that inevitably lead to attrition and burnout. Your team will feel more satisfied with their work and so will you.
Food for Thought:
So, how about you?
Are you taking hold of your leadership responsibility to Discover, Develop, and Deploy other leaders in your business?
Look around and ask, “Who are the natural leaders in the room?”
Create a leadership culture that encourages growth and development.
Learn to coach and let the team play the game.
40 WESTERN PALLET