How Can Coaching Nurture Future Leaders? To the Founders
Leadership nature vs nurture, It’s a long debated topic but we should see these in symbiosis rather than in opposition. As a founder, I’ve seen individuals with natural leadership abilities significantly enhanced their abilities through proper guidance and mentoring. While natural abilities give a good head start, effectiveness can be improved to great extent through intentional coaching and development.
Nurturing the Leadership Pipeline
Business is not a one man show. It’s a game of cross functioning teams performing efficiently in a symbiotic relationship. That’s why it is crucial for start-up’s and growing companies to nurture a strong leadership pipeline. But how can we nurture the leadership pipeline? Here is some ideas:
- Spot Potentialities: Let’s start with nature. In my journey with top corporations I have come across employees who take initiatives, who are not afraid of risks, are ready to face challenges, can communicate effectively, are honest and have a strong sense of work ethics. If you have such employees in your team they are the gems and are the best candidate for leadership development. This is the first step to nurture future leaders.
- Give them Charge: People with natural leadership abilities like to lead from the front. Once you identify such personalities, give them the opportunity to take the lead. Give them small teams to lead or make them incharge of small tasks. These practical experiences of leading small projects will prepare them for big roles in future.
- Develop Internal Mentorship Program: Natural abilities need the guidance of experience to reach their ultimate height. It’s true in the case of every leader in any niche. Create a group of experienced employees within your organization who will mentor promising leaders. You can also hire professional coaches for the purpose.
- Foster a Learning Culture: Self-study, self-reflection, and feedback. These three things are of utmost importance to nurture a future leader. Foster an environment in your organization where potential leaders can experiment fearlessly, express freely, and be encouraged to reflect on their experiences.
- Lead by Example: Be the one what you want others to be. Being a founder you are the captain of the ship and your influence is paramount on others. So adopt the leadership behaviors you want to see in your future leaders.
Finally, By adopting these strategies you can efficiently nurture future leaders within your organizations. As a founder, investing in leadership development is the best thing you can do to ensure long-term success and sustainability of your business.
