How can you help new leaders emerge in your community?

1 Identify potential leaders

One of the first steps to help new leaders emerge in your community is to identify who they are. Look for people who have a personal stake in the issue, who show interest and enthusiasm, who have skills or connections that can benefit the group, and who are willing to learn and grow. You can find potential leaders through outreach, networking, surveys, interviews, or referrals. Once you have a list of candidates, invite them to join your meetings, events, or trainings, and observe how they interact and contribute.

2 Provide support and feedback

Another way to help new leaders emerge in your community is to provide them with support and feedback. Support means offering encouragement, recognition, resources, and guidance to help them achieve their goals and overcome challenges. Feedback means giving constructive and honest input on their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as listening to their concerns and suggestions. You can provide support and feedback through regular check-ins, coaching, mentoring, or peer-to-peer learning.

3 Delegate tasks and responsibilities

A third way to help new leaders emerge in your community is to delegate tasks and responsibilities to them. Delegation means giving them opportunities to take on roles, projects, or decisions that match their interests, abilities, and aspirations. Delegation also means trusting them to perform well, giving them autonomy and flexibility, and holding them accountable for the results. You can delegate tasks and responsibilities through role assignments, action plans, or leadership teams.

4 Challenge and stretch them

A fourth way to help new leaders emerge in your community is to challenge and stretch them. Challenge means exposing them to new situations, perspectives, or problems that require them to think creatively, critically, or strategically. Stretch means pushing them to go beyond their comfort zone, to take risks, or to learn new skills. You can challenge and stretch them through simulations, scenarios, or experiments.

5 Celebrate and reward them

A fifth way to help new leaders emerge in your community is to celebrate and reward them. Celebrate means acknowledging and appreciating their achievements, contributions, or growth. Reward means giving them incentives, recognition, or opportunities that motivate them to continue or excel. You can celebrate and reward them through public praise, certificates, gifts, or promotions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?