Are You Building Leaders for Tomorrow?

Videos You May Like

For Better Conversations, Replace 'How Are You?' With This One Phrase
(Video)

Pinterest 101: Marketing Tips From Whole Foods (Video)

The Most Telling Sign That You Might Be an Entrepreneur (Video)

Master the Art of Small Talk to Build a Network of Business Allies

(Video)
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
From Our Partners

The best ways to cope with a noisy officeVox

Heres how you charge an iPhone 7 and listen to music at the same
timeVox
by Taboola

Image credit: Shutterstock

HEATHER R. HUHMAN

CONTRIBUTOR
Career and Workplace Expert; Founder and President, Come Recommended

EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK

3 Ways in Which You Should Let Employees Influence Your Brand

HEATHER R. HUHMAN

EMPLOYEE TRAINING
4 Secrets Behind the Best Employee Training
HEATHER R. HUHMAN

WORKPLACE STRESS
Beware the 1:42 p.m. Witching Hour at Work. Here's Why.
HEATHER R. HUHMAN

ON-DEMAND EVENT
STRATEGIES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
WATCH NOW
2.2k
Shares

APRIL 18, 2016

The outlook for future leadership certainly seems bleak, judging from the current
landscape managers describe nationwide:
Related: 4 Ways to Make Leadership Development Part of Your Company
Culture

The 2015 Business and Human Capital Challenges report from the Society
of Human Resource Management found that one of the top concerns
among HR and business leaders was the development of the next
generation of leaders.

Workplace Trends Global Workforce Leadership survey in February and

March said that leadership is the hardest skill to find in employees.

A 2015 Gallup study of 2.5 million manager-led teams found that a

mere 18 percent of current managers said their companies had the talent
required for leadership.

Not surprisingly, among the 1,000 employees surveyed by Workplace

Trends, only 36 percent said leadership was a strength in their
organization.

With the demand for leadership development on the rise, companies are
scrambling for solutions that are effective and quick and require a minimal
investment of time and money. Fortunately, there is good news.
That news? Leaders are made, not born. While no one is created with leadership
in his or her bones, many people in business are ambitious, strong
communicators from the start. So, its up to employers to determine who shows
the motivation and tendency toward leadership -- and then develop it.
But how does an organization find these diamonds in the rough? The answer is,
observe how employees communicate, and identify those who seem to be the
most motivational team members These young leaders are usually hiding in plain
sight. They solve problems creatively, take charge and plan strategies well, and
are the people others go to when they have questions or need guidance.
Once these "A" players are found, organizations should cultivate their leadership
skills and "grow them" within the company using the following simple
techniques:
1. Use technology to educate.
Fires dont start with roaring flames -- they need kindling, logs, access to air and,
finally, a spark. Those who want to learn leadership skills will do so, given the
right opportunity andtools. Give them their spark.
Many employers worry about the cost of professional development, which is
understandable. Why would they invest time and money into employees who
may leave at the drop of a hat? Good news: There are many free online
resources employers can offer to their staff to develop their leadership skills.
Examples include Coursera, Alison.com,Open Learn, and Mindtools.com. MIT
even offers an online version ofOrganizational Leadership and Change, a
graduate level university course.
Other resources vary in cost, but may be worth a look. For example, career
counselors help employees gain confidence and feel more inspired. They
typically use processes and build action plans geared toward goal achievement.

Webinars are also great tools. Professional organizations like the American
Management Association offer webinars that are interactive and offer step-bystep guides to learning new skills.
2. Encourage networking and engagement.
Great leaders keep their fingers on the pulse of the industry. A great method for
keeping informed is regularly networking and engaging with colleagues.
Teach employees to create professional relationships and confidently initiate
conversations. Expanding their networks builds crucial leadership skills like
communication and makes them strong representatives for the company.
Related: 5 Ways to Take the Wind Out of Your Future Leaders' Sails
Refer them to tools like Lets Lunch, so they can easily coordinate and meet with
experts in their field who can help them achieve career success.
In addition to outside experts, focus on internal mentors. The 2016Deloitte
Millennial Survey found that 94 percent of 7,700 respondents surveyed said their
mentors' advice was good, and 91 percent said their mentors showed a good
level of interest in the their development. When managers can create a
relationship with employees that makes the former feel less like a boss and more
like a guide or a coach, they can have a great influence on employees.
Establish this dynamic to earn trust and respect. Employees are more apt to
listen to and engage with leaders who develop a strong sense of camaraderie on
the team. When those employees see an investment of time and energy from
their employer, they will reciprocate and show an eagerness to grow in the
company.
3. Suggest personal development techniques.
Personal development is a major part of any great leaders life. Encourage
employees to explore techniques in their personal lives to improve their
awareness, develop their talents and build human capital while enhancing their
quality of life.
There are various tools companies can use -- like exercise. An April 2015
study from Leeds Metropolitan University found an increase in productivity and
satisfaction and improved time management skills when employees exercised
during business hours. Encourage exercise regimens and offer flexibility during
business hours to provide employees with gym time.
Mindfulness practices are another tool. Yoga, tai chi and meditation are all great
for building a sense of "present moment" awareness that helps with decisionmaking and productivity. There are several free and low cost online resources
that can teach meditation, such asHeadspace, Calm, Sattva and Buddhify.
Related: The Best Strategy for Developing Leaders Is No Strategy
These lifestyle choices can increase knowledge and effectively reduce stress and
improve productivity. A less-stressed, more productive employee is more apt to
learn and develop his or her leadership skills.
How do you cultivate leadership in your employees?