By: Stephanie Tuia
Quality leadership is a positive asset that is needed in every organization. Observe any successful club, committee or team and you will find a capable leader in each of these organizations. What makes a successful leader? Why do some leaders inspire confidence and have an innate ability to motivate while other “leaders” are mired in mediocrity?
Most successful leaders have received good leadership training as they have advanced in their careers. Here are three ideas that each organization can utilize to train their employees to become successful leaders:
The Individual Leader -There is a common notion that some people are born leaders. They are born with the skills and charisma that attracts others to follow them. That may be true, but that concept does not preclude anyone else from being a leader. Many people acquire leadership skills with time and experience. For example, a new employee might start a job at the bottom of the company and move up in time as they gain expertise and experience. The employee’s familiarity and understanding of the business gives them an edge for opportunity and promotion. Many organizations prefer to promote leadership roles from within their company, instead of betting on an unknown commodity.
The Collective Organization - Every member of an organization can serve an important role. An organization functions because members fulfill different roles that enable them to thrive. An organization will have a division of leaders and followers. Both parties serve together to fulfill the purpose of the organization. It is important that members be given opportunities to work together, build relationships, trust, and confidence in order to fulfill the mission of an organization.
The Training Provider - During grade school, I held a leadership role in our academic honors society. I, along with three other student leaders attended a leadership training camp at the start of the school year. At the camp we listened to motivational speakers and participated in a variety of activities, one of which was participating in a ropes course. The purpose of the course was to promote comradeship among our small group. Each individual in the group was able to contribute. Some of the brawnier members contributed strength, while some of the brainier members contributed ideas and strategy. The objective was achieved through communication, teamwork and a well-executed plan.
You didn’t captain the high school football team to the state championship? You didn’t create and head the grade school recycling program, saving thousands of old-growth trees? Despair not, with a little direction and the right resources you can still become an effective and capable leader.
