Leadership skills aren’t magically transferred when an employee gets promoted to a management position. When you’re trying to cultivate the next generation of leaders, you need to start at entry-level, long before you dole out new titles and raises.
The good news is, many young employees and junior-level staff are eager to give their input and make a difference in the organization. But if they don’t feel like current leadership is listening, or if they’re afraid of having a “bad” idea, they’ll stop taking the initiative. It’s up to your executive team to build a culture of leadership – even if employees are simply taking the lead on their own projects and tasks.
1. Create A Space For Them To Shine
It is as simple as creating a space for them to contribute and show the spark. Give them the project that is meaningful and give them the ownership of it. Then don’t micromanage. Be there as a support, make sure there are checks and balances, and then celebrate the success. Others will follow when they see this kind of approach and attitude. Coaching can help both you and your young associates.
2. Don’t Micromanage
Critical to giving junior associates the opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership capabilities is trusting them, and stepping aside. People learn from successes and failures, but they don’t learn when you are the sole source for ideas, planning, and decisions.
3. Give Them A Voice
Whether it is a formal planning meeting or an informal discussion, ask for junior staff’s input and ideas.
4. Ask For Ideas And Mentor Them
Mentorship helps junior associates navigate the intricacies of an organization, while also connecting them with a champion and guide: someone who can give them confidence when they begin to take ownership of their work. But organizations also need to ask for idea-sharing in both formal and informal settings if they want young team members to mature more rapidly.
5. Keep Giving Them New Challenges
Present them with new challenges that move them outside their comfort zone, while providing them with encouragement and support. By assigning junior staff members a project that requires additional responsibilities, you place them in a position where they can embrace the challenge and exhibit a leadership skill set they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to share.
Make it a great day!