Leaders Who Develop Leaders: The Foundation for Sustainable Growth
- October 01, 2024
Leadership wields tremendous power, and when harnessed effectively, it can positively impact organizations, the communities in which they operate, and even our planet.
To ensure these benefits are tangible and enduring, today's leaders bear a new responsibility: fostering the development of future leaders. The era of the "brilliant leader," omnipotent and omnipresent, single-handedly guiding an organization with followers who merely execute orders, is over. Modern leaders must collaborate with individuals who possess equal decision-making capabilities and a profound curiosity.
In this context, it is imperative to pursue two key paths. Internally, leaders should open opportunities for their teams, creating an environment where they feel valued and consistently showing appreciation for their work. Active listening is, of course, fundamental. It enables leaders to understand and empathize with the needs and aspirations of new generations, preparing them to step into leadership roles.
The second focus is on attracting new talent with leadership potential. For this, companies need strategies that ensure social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Particularly, young people who aspire to "change the world" prioritize working for ethical and responsible companies when seeking employment.
There is another increasingly sought-after intangible value. In a recent meeting, we asked our talent what they expect from their leaders. The response was clear: "Instead of telling me what to do, ask me what you need and explain why." When people understand that their work has a purpose, that their contribution is critical to building something greater, and that they are part of a team, they can truly connect with their role. The idea of 'blindly following orders' simply because someone says so is also becoming a thing of the past.
In an increasingly uncertain, dynamic, and competitive market, organizations need to be resilient, quickly identify areas requiring attention or investment, and capitalize on innovation by aligning the power of new technologies with business strategy.
Why should we entrust so much responsibility to just one individual? It's time to cultivate a "team of leaders" who can lead and oversee the necessary changes required in this era. By adopting this approach, organizations can pave the way for long-term, meaningful growth.