“We will never create movement unless we develop a culture in which leadership development is normative.” ~Mac Lake
Everyone wants to have the kind of team culture where you’re “teaching a man to fish” as the old proverb advises. But traditional approaches to leadership often focus on filling individual leadership positions, which is more like giving one fish to one person. The more effective and sustainable strategy lies in fostering a culture of leadership development.
By prioritizing the growth and reproduction of leaders within the organization, teams can create a dynamic and resilient environment that propels them toward a culture of replication. Let’s explore the importance of cultivating a culture of leadership development by outlining four key elements to be talking about as you create this culture.
Talk about the current reality:
Before embarking on any transformational journey, it is crucial to assess the current state of leadership development within the organization. You have to acknowledge the starting point. This requires an honest evaluation of existing practices, strengths, and areas for improvement. Use tools like the Organizational Leadership Development Assessment to gain valuable insights into the organization’s strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to be intentional about identifying opportunities for growth.
Talk about the vision:
Once you’ve established where you are, you can point to where you’re headed. To create a culture of leadership development, it is essential to establish a clear vision that inspires and motivates the team. Communicate the vision to all stakeholders, emphasizing the benefits of developing leaders at every level of the organization. By fostering enthusiasm and commitment towards this new reality, you create a shared sense of purpose and collective buy-in from team members.
Talk about the goals:
Defining tangible goals and milestones is critical to keep the momentum going. Determine the number of leaders you aim to establish at various levels within the organization. These milestones provide a sense of direction and create a roadmap for success. Additionally, break down these goals into manageable steps so you can make sure that progress is measurable and attainable.
Talk about the wins:
Celebrating wins and recognizing achievements along the way is going to go a long way in maintaining enthusiasm and momentum on your team. Acknowledge and praise the progress made by individuals and teams as they develop their leadership capabilities. By emphasizing progress rather than perfection, you create an environment that values continuous improvement and encourages individuals to take risks and grow.
Building the Culture Together
It is important to remember that building a culture of leadership development is a collaborative effort. It’s not just about one person at a time, filling spots where there are immediate gaps. Engage the entire team in the process, empowering them to contribute ideas, share experiences, and take ownership of their leadership development. Encourage peer-to-peer mentoring, create opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, and provide resources and training that enable individuals to enhance their leadership skills.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your culture of leadership development, Multiply Group would be honored to walk alongside you. Book a discovery call with our team to discuss how you can take your next step.
Additionally, if you’d like to read more in-depth on this concept of creating a leadership development culture, we encourage you to read The Multiplication Effect.
