Developing Leaders Is the Only Way to Create a Leadership Culture
The Lesson of the 2 Buckets
When there problems in an organization - these are like sparks and fires. Leaders are often the first to arrive on the scene of a situation. They will come carrying 2 buckets: One is water - One is gasoline. One of these fuels the fire, while the other puts it out. The object is to train people to "use water".
I have a system that I call Model - Focus - Equip that applies here.
Model - We have to Model a caring and willing-to-help attitude. As a leader, you get the culture you create. We have to FOCUS on developing the culture we want in the future.
A culture that exists because of what leadership has done up to this point. Remember John's definition - it's really pertinent here - "Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less."
Mark Miller, Chick-fil-A vice president of high-performance leadership who has trained leaders at Chick-fil-A said, "Sometimes existing leaders hold back weak organizations from developing a leadership culture - they rationalize:
They're already doing well enough
They're too busy to develop leaders
Either choice creates a cycle of mediocrity."
Leaders like Mark, develop a positive leadership culture by using the following steps:
Define it - What is your organization's working definition of leadership?
Teach it - Ensure everyone knows the leadership point of view and leaders have the skills required to succeed.
Practice it - Create opportunities for leaders and emerging leaders to lead; stretch assignment prove and improve leaders.
Measure it - Track the progress of leadership development efforts. Adjust strategies and tactics accordingly.
Model it - Walk the talk and lead by example - people always watch the leader.
John Maxwell uses a slightly different set of steps:
IDENTIFYING LEADERS: Find them so you can develop them.
ATTRACTING LEADERS: Invite them to the leadership table.
UNDERSTANDING LEADERS: Connect with them before you lead them
MOTIVATING LEADERS: Encourage them to give their best.
EQUIPPING LEADERS: Train them to be great at their job.
EMPOWERING LEADERS: Release them to reach their potential.
POSITIONING LEADERS: Team them up to multiply their impact.
MENTORING LEADERS: Coach them to the next level.
REPRODUCING LEADERS: Show them how to develop leaders.
COMPOUNDING LEADERS: Receive the highest return of developing leaders
This reminds me of John Maxwell's definitions of Success and Significance:
Success comes when we add value to ourselves. Significance comes when we add value to others.
Model Focus and Equip
Be Intentional Friends!
Brian