{"id":84,"date":"2012-08-30T08:53:58","date_gmt":"2012-08-30T16:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/encouragement.com\/blog\/?p=84"},"modified":"2012-08-30T08:53:58","modified_gmt":"2012-08-30T16:53:58","slug":"becoming-a-builder-of-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/encouragement.com\/wordpress\/?p=84","title":{"rendered":"Becoming a Builder (of People)"},"content":{"rendered":"

I just have a couple of short stories for you this month, which illustrate some of what it takes to successfully develop the people around you. (Why do you care about this? Because, your success is impacted by the performance of the people you lead.)<\/p>\n

Both of these stories come from conversations I\u2019ve had \u2013 one with a Marine Corps colonel, and a second with a manager leading a team of 30.<\/p>\n

First the colonel. As a casual inquiry, I asked, \u201cDo you have any kids?\u201d His answer (which I\u2019m sure was his standard reply) was, \u201cI had 175,000.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now the manager. As we were discussing business and leadership, he lowered his voice, and confided in me, saying, \u201cI hate my team \u2026 every one of them \u2026 I\u2019m just putting in my time until I\u2019m gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Are these statements in stark contrast with one another, or what? From my point of view, only one of these two was fit for leadership. Not enough people have the colonel\u2019s mindset.<\/p>\n

You see, if you\u2019re going to be successful in developing others, you first of all need a fundamental fondness, admiration, respect, and caring for the people you are leading. If you don\u2019t have it, they know it, and you\u2019re not fooling anybody but yourself \u2013 to your detriment.<\/p>\n

Developing your workforce is as much about creating a positive environment, which communicates important beliefs, values, behaviors and attitudes, as it is about teaching some kind of \u2018information,\u2019 or head knowledge. You\u2019re responsible for setting the tone of this environment.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t try to duplicate yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even though it\u2019s important to \u2018lead by example,\u2019 don\u2019t get caught up in trying to develop others in a way that makes them \u2018just like you.\u2019 Yes, you need to set an example, but don\u2019t think you are the \u2018epitome.\u2019<\/p>\n

Bring out the best of every individual. Help them understand and capitalize on their strengths. Challenge them. Give them opportunities to practice what they are learning, and make some mistakes. Walk alongside, while giving them latitude to think, decide, and act. Listen to their ideas, help them develop their judgment, and take some risks with them.<\/p>\n

Bottom line \u2026 trust them. Put your faith in them. Give them a role that maximizes their ability to contribute, while thanking and acknowledging them for their efforts.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Leadership Ladder\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Build a \u2018Leadership Ladder\u2019 throughout your organization that encourages people to keep stepping up \u2013 and where those above are expected to take the time and the responsibility to train, influence, coach, and model performance to those below.<\/p>\n

\u2013\u00a0Jerry Strom<\/p>\n

For more information about our leadership development programs, please visit http:\/\/www.JerryStrom.com<\/a> . Join the mailing list to receive notice of new articles automatically.<\/p>\n

This article is based on *\u2018The High Points Survey: What Managers Most Want to Know about Leadership,\u2019 copyright 2012, by Jerry Strom & Company, Inc. Download the White Paper at: http:\/\/www.jerrystrom.com\/js_high-points.html<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I just have a couple of short stories for you this month, which illustrate some of what it takes to successfully develop the people around you. (Why do you care about this? 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