Don’t give up. They too will grow.

One of the most difficulty aspects of leadership is to intentionally invest in others and be consistent until they grow into maturity. This is especially challenging when we must start with people who are far behind. For example, you may have a new employee who is just starting to learn the technical skills in their profession. You may need to start with handholding, watching them miss the marks on many occasions, repeatedly suggesting improvements to their work and becoming patient for them to learn. I have seen many leaders shrug off their responsibility to invest in others. They want to work with ready-made high-flying champions only.

While it is important to select our team members carefully, especially in terms of their ability, it is more profitable to pay attention to attitudes. Those who possess the right attitude will learn and grow. They will become competent with time because of their can-do mindset. Whereas, you may have a rocket scientist who is not that useful because of a negative attitude. In all my experiences, I have found that people who are given to learning will grow with time and will in turn become great within the team. Unfortunately, many so-called leaders are not patient enough to recognize those who have the potential to become great and are too hasty to dismiss the starter or someone struggling as incompetent.
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As leaders, we should not give up on those we lead. We should consistently look for the opportunity to be the source of knowledge, inspiration, and courage to those who work with us. One more thing: people differ widely in their pace of learning and growth. We do not place everyone on the same scale. If people are willing to learn and grow, it is the responsibility of the leader to provide the atmosphere, tools and support needed for them to succeed. Those who were not useful for you today may become the superstars in your team tomorrow. Don’t give up on anyone. They too will grow.

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Actions for the week

1. Evaluate the kind of leadership you provide to those who work with you. Note how well or otherwise you have performed in investing in others as they grow.
2. Consider those who currently work with you. Whose hand can you hold? If they possess the right attitude, then invest your time, knowledge, and experience in them.
3. Share this message with other great leaders around you.

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​A quote to remember
"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." – Jack Welch

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books