If You Lead a Business, You Can NOT Create New Leaders - Instead Do This!

One common piece of advice that is given to business leaders is that it is their responsibility to create more leaders in their organization.

The truth is that this NEVER works.

If your goal is to create new leaders, you will fail.

Why is this? What should you do instead?

You Can't Do What is Outside Your Control

As a Leader, you must understand there are things inside and outside of your control.

The ability for someone else to lead is outside your control.

There are many people who have the potential to be spectacular leaders.

However, there is a difference between "potential" and "reality".

Sadly, many people in the world who have extremely high potential but will never live up to it.

Becoming a leader is a choice, and it is a choice individuals need to make themselves.

You could identify the person with the highest leadership potential in the world and be their biggest cheerleader.

If they choose to not become a leader, there is nothing you can do.

This is part of the reason why most "Leadership Development" programs fail.

We identify people who are "high potentials", but they don't choose to step forward themselves.

Most businesses spend too much time trying to develop individuals who will never grow at that organization.

Instead, Empower Those Who Step Up

If you lead an organization, you should give opportunities for everyone to step up and grow.

Regardless if they are high potential or not, give them an opportunity.

Some will do it, others won't.

A "Low Potential" individual who proves through action that they want to grow can be shaped into a great leader.

While a "High Potential" individual who won't prove through action that they want to grow will likely never lead well in your organization.

The desire to grow and lead is a powerful force that can be shaped into amazing things.

Harness that desire, and you will get the leaders you are looking for.