Do You Beget Leaders?

It's 2023 and I may have said this before.

But it's worth repeating.

Leaders develop leaders.

Sounds logical, but trust me it's rare.

The gap between leadership and leadership development is huge.

Leadership is a skill, mostly useful for the individual.

Leadership development is a character trait, beneficial for others.

I made the mistake early on in my career focusing on being a strong leader.

It benefitted me, and my team at times, but I was busy building my legacy.

Chalk it up to being young and naive, but if I could do it all over again I'd change some things.

Leadership development starts at the heart, then transfers over to the brain.

It begins with "it's not about me."

A hard concept to swallow without a secure ego.

It means you won't get the credit, but possibly all the blame.

That's enough to scare most people off.

Leadership development is playing the long game and that might not be for everyone.

And that's okay.

You just need to know for yourself why you want to lead.

In certain situations, you don't have the time or resources to develop others.

A decision needs to be made, direction needs to be given or accountability needs to be enforced.

But most times, building the character and skills of others should be at the forefront of leaders.

Often, opportunities arise in the form of teachable moments.

Prioritizing the growth of others can come at the cost of results.

If succession is the end goal, then mistakes are part of the process.

Experience, via trial and error, is always the best teacher.

Think back to the first opportunity you were given to lead.

Remember how good it felt?

How great would it be to return the favor?

Your last concern should be "what if I'm not ready to lead others?"

Part of that uncertainty will keep you humble and learning.

If you wait until you're fully ready, opportunities to develop others will continue to pass you up.

That doesn't mean you stop preparing, it means stop procrastinating.

Some of my best leadership development opportunities came early in my career.

I wanted to help someone out so bad I over-prepared.

But it came from a heart to serve.

Now as a father, it's much easier for me to look for teachable moments.

I'm invested in my kids' success.

My advice is: when you think of something, say it (assuming it's for growth purposes).

Leading others means doing what's right.

And sometimes what's right is not what they want to hear, but you say it anyway.

Respect is different from being liked.

Great leaders are not in the popularity game.

Great leaders are in the business of ethics and integrity.

If you want to be great as a leader, find someone to pour into.

Now.