Leadership is vital in any workplace because it helps to ensure that goals are met, that tasks are completed efficiently and that employees are motivated. Good leaders help to create an environment where everyone can do their best work and feel supported. They also provide direction and guidance when needed, and help to resolve conflicts.
Employees who feel like they have a good leader to look up to are more likely to be engaged in their work and proud of their organisation. They’re also more likely to stay with the company for the long haul. On the other hand, workplaces that lack strong leadership can often be chaotic and unproductive places. Employees may feel unmotivated or even resentful, and turnover can be high.
It’s clear that leadership is essential to the success of any workplace, but did you know how important it is that your organisation is creating leaders from within, and not just getting your leadership talent from outside hires?
What are the benefits?
There are many reasons why businesses should create leadership roles for their current staff. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that it can help to improve morale and motivation within the company. When employees feel like they have a chance to move up within the company, they are more likely to be engaged and invested in their work. Promoting from within can show employees that hard work and dedication are valued by the company, which can further improve morale.
Another reason to promote from within is that it can help to improve retention rates. If employees feel like there are opportunities for advancement, they are less likely to leave the company for greener pastures. This can save the business money in terms of recruiting and training new employees. Promoting from within can help to create a more cohesive and tight-knit team, as employees will have worked together for longer and will know each other better and how everyone thinks.
Finally, creating leadership roles for current staff can help to improve the company’s bottom line. When employees are promoted into management positions, they often have a better understanding of the company’s goals and objectives and can help to ensure that these are met. Managers who are promoted from within the company are often more invested in their work and more likely to go above and beyond to meet the company’s needs.
How to help your employees get there
Most companies invest a lot of time and resources into leadership development programs. But what happens after employees complete these programs? How can businesses ensure that these employees are able to put their new skills to use and make a lasting impact within the organisation?
One way to do this is by encouraging employees to create personal leadership plans. A leadership plan is essentially a roadmap that outlines an individual’s goals, strategies, and action items for becoming a more effective leader. By taking the time to develop a leadership plan, employees can identify specific areas where they need to continue growing and developing. And, importantly, they can also set measurable goals for themselves so they can track their progress over time.
There are a few key things that should be included in every leadership plan:
- A description of the leader’s current skills and knowledge
- An analysis of the leader’s strengths and weaknesses
- Goals for continued development, both short-term and long-term
- Specific strategies for achieving those goals
- A timeline for implementing each strategy
- A system for tracking progress and holding oneself accountable
Creating a personal leadership plan is a great way for employees to take control of their own development and ensure they are making the most of their leadership training. And when employees feel invested in their own growth, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated while they’re at work. As such, developing personal leadership plans can be a win-win for both employees and employers.
What skills do you need to become a leader?
Good leaders share many different skills and traits that help them stand out from the rest, and developing leadership skills is a very important start to becoming a leader. Here are some of the most important skills and traits that good leaders share:
1. They have strong communication skills
The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively is one of the most important skills that a leader can have. Good leaders know how to get their point across in a way that others will understand and be able to follow.
2. They are good at problem-solving
When problems arise, good leaders are able to quickly assess the situation and come up with a solution that works. They are also able to take input from others and come to a consensus that everyone can agree on.
3. They are able to motivate others
A good leader knows how to inspire and motivate those around them. They are able to get others to buy into their vision and work together towards a common goal.
4. They have a strong work ethic
Good leaders set an example for those around them by working hard and always giving their best. They show others that it is possible to achieve great things if you are willing to put in the effort.
5. They are able to adapt to change
Change is inevitable, and good leaders are able to roll with the punches and adjust accordingly. They know that there is always room for improvement and they are always looking for ways to make things better.
If you want to learn more about how Whole Brain® Thinking and the HBDI® can help you and your organisation, have a look at how it works here or get in touch and we’ll help you find the right solution.
