Turning employees into leaders

Not every employee can become a leader but outstanding workers that show the ability for leadership also need nurturing and a deliberate effort from those at the top. Guidance and direction combined with willingness and initiative will lead to success.

To develop young leaders needs work from the employer as well as the employees, Bethany Seton writes on the education website “The Sector”. The first step is to allow employees to take responsibility, the expert believes. Then employees need to attend training and courses, whilst superiors measure their progress and regularly give feedback. During the whole process the potential future leaders should be encouraged to take the initiative and speak up. Transparency and honesty are key.

Urge responsibility
When employees come to executives for help, it might be tempting to take over instead of guiding them towards the right resources and give them guidance. The road to a successful leader always starts with taking ownership and responsibility for projects.
Invest in training and courses
Leadership skills are not tied to a certain working position, writes Bethany Seton, “so don’t restrict this development to their current role”. She recommends courses through which employees can learn to work within a case management framework, such as a course for counseling which will enable employees to communicate effectively with co-workers and clients.
Let them know how far they’ve come
It’s essential to measure and evaluate the training that employees attend to understand their weaknesses and strengths. This should also give enough reason to provide them with regular feedback that is constructive and inspiring.
Encourage them to speak up
“One of the most important things when it comes to turning your employees to leaders is to give every one of them the opportunity to rise to the occasion,” Seton believes. “This doesn’t only stand for their tasks, they also need to have an opportunity to defend their values, beliefs, and ideas.” This will help their standing as important and valued members within the company.
Foster transparency
Transparency means to not keep employees in the dark. Even if some truths might be uncomfortable for the employees, it is better to address them early to help their further growth and not build up expectations that can’t be fulfilled.