Few leaders that I encounter reproduce themselves successfully on a regular basis. Some have never even done it once. One of the questions that I am asked most often is, “How can I be more effective at developing leaders?”
My friend Bob Logan, who will be guest-posting here later this week, taught me the following formula many years ago. A commitment to this 5 step Leadership Development Cycle just might transform you into a leader developing machine. Implement this Leadership Development Cycle for successful delegation, training assistants, teaching kids, developing preachers, and building leaders in almost any area.
The Leadership Development Cycle
1. I Do – You Watch
Rather than doing everything yourself, tackle projects and tasks with someone at your side. Allow your sidekick to watch you prepare to teach, work through a project, or organize something. You may bring one of your kids into the kitchen while you cook dinner or have a potential communicator sit with you while you work through the stages of preparation. Explain along the way what you are doing.
2. I Do – You Help
The Leadership Cycle continues as you allow the one who has watched to step in and help. It takes a conscious decision to not do everything yourself.
3. You Do – I Help
In stage three, you stop cracking the eggs in the kitchen and allow another to lead the project. It’s time to let go, but critically important that you not disappear! While another person leads, and you help, you must be just as present and time committed as before. The difference now is that you are assisting rather than leading.
4. You Do – I Watch and Encourage
You’re almost there, but a person is not fully trained until you watch them lead the way and give them feedback. Encouragement and appropriate correction will help the new leader excel going forward. A communicator that you have launched may need a year of feedback and encouragement. A young apprentice will need encouragement and feedback while still developing.
5. You Do – Someone Else Watches
Time to bring it home. For true exponential leadership development, build into your trainee the importance of repeating this cycle themselves.
What are you learning about leadership development and delegation? Leave a Comment!
