The Four “E’s” of Developing Others

Always leave things better than you found them.

That’s a great mentality to have in any endeavor. But what about with people, and specifically the ones we’re privileged to lead? Do we just manage their work? Or do we develop their talent in the process, leaving them more competent and confident in their ability to make meaningful contributions than they were before?

The best leaders develop others using the four “E’s.”

Engage With

How do I engage my team? That’s the big question many leaders are asking. They’re so close! They’re just missing one little word: the word with. Great leaders don’t just engage their teams, they engage with their teams, because engagement is all about meaningful connection.

If you want to develop the talent of the people on your team, you have to start by engaging with them. Meaningful connection opens the door to development.

Equip

Leaders who equip their teams provide the skills and tools to succeed. Talent is inherent – it’s what each person brings to the table. But skills must be developed and tools provided. When an individual has that special mix of talent, skills and tools needed to perform, their competence grows by leaps and bounds.

Empower

What happens to a person who is equipped to perform but never has the opportunity? That would be like an elite athlete who never gets to play in a real game. It’s a complete waste of talent! Each person needs the opportunity to perform in real life. Competence with opportunity produces growth and (just as important) confidence.

If you meet a person with competence but who lacks confidence, what they need most in the opportunity to perform with an engaged leader… especially one who encourages them.

Encourage

18th century English writer Samuel Johnson observed that, “The applause of a single human being is of great consequence.” This is even more true when coming from the leader.

Providing encouragement is as free and easy as leadership gets! But most leaders neglect the opportunity they have each day to reinforce the engagement they could otherwise create.

“Go for it. You can do it. I believe in you.”

The leader who speaks these words will soon have an army of talent at their disposal, especially if they utilize all four of these E’s in the process.

Do you leave the people on each team you lead better than when you found them? Do you have a line of people hoping to rejoin your team someday? That provide the answer.

In either case, the four “E’s” can get you there!


This article is included in the Leadership-in-a-Box® program:

Developing Others


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