9 Ways to Help Employees Develop Leadership Skills

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Strong leaders, help path the way to organisational success. When you invest in the growth, development and progression of your employees, you not only show them that you value them but also help them develop the skills needed to become a leader and take on more responsibilities.

Developing the skills of existing leaders needs to be a priority, but also recognising potential leaders and helping them grow is something all organisations need to be focusing on.

In this article, we share the top 9 most effective methods for helping employees develop the leadership skills they need to thrive.

9 Ways to Help Employees Develop Leadership Skills

1. Offer Constructive Feedback

Feedback plays a pivotal role in personal and professional growth. If you want your employees to develop their leadership skills, it is imperative to consistently offer constructive feedback. This helps your employees identify areas where they need to improve and reinforce their strengths. Feedback also fosters engagement within the workplace, motivating employees to strive for career progression.

2. Set Clear Expectations

If you want your employees to develop their skills, then you need to be setting clear exceptions. By effectively communicating the leadership skills and qualities you expect from your employees, you provide them with a tangible goal to work towards. Defining the requirements for development not only demonstrates the value placed on these skills but also enhances employees' understanding of the responsibilities associated with leadership within your organisation.

3. Lead by Example

One of the most effective ways for employees to learn and develop leadership skills is by observing and learning from existing leaders within the organisation. If current leadership fails to demonstrate strong qualities and skills, future leaders will struggle to understand the requirements placed upon them. Therefore, leadership must be exemplified throughout the organisation to inspire and guide aspiring leaders.

4. Encourage Networking

Networking is a vital skill for strong leaders. From building relationships with shareholders to generating innovative ideas, there are a huge number of benefits that come from leaders who actively network. It is important to encourage networking opportunities for employees, such as professional events and industry conferences. Through these activities, leaders can enhance their skills, establish valuable connections and exchange stimulating ideas.

5. Prioritise Emotional Intelligence

One of the distinguishing factors between a good manager and an exceptional leader is their emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is all about how an individual manages and understands their own emotions, but also the feelings of those around them. Prioritise emotional intelligence by offering training to enhance the skills of your employees if they are current or potential leaders within your organisation.

6. Offer Mentoring Opportunities

Mentorship is an effective method to foster the development of leadership skills among employees. By establishing a mentorship programme within your organisation, current or potential leaders can gain the support and guidance they need, whilst also sharing valuable insight and knowledge. To explore how mentorship can be utilised to support leaders within your organisation, schedule a free demonstration with a member of the PushFar team today.

7. Provide Resources

Learning doesn’t always have to be done at the workplace. Whilst employees have other responsibilities outside of work, providing them with the necessary resources can motivate them to learn new things in their own time. From the latest podcasts about being the best leader possible to an e-guide sharing the latest tips and tricks for managing a team effectively, there is a huge assortment of leadership resources that your employees can benefit from.

8. Offer Training

If you want your employees to acquire new skills, it is important to offer them learning and development opportunities. From in-house training sessions in-house training sessions where current leaders share their expertise with others to opting for training from a professional, there are many options to choose from. Training programmes that cover essential skills like communication and decision-making are crucial for both aspiring and current leaders.

9. Encourage Continuous Learning

As we all know, the working environment is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging. Which is why it’s important to encourage employees to engage in continuous learning. By creating a culture that supports learning, providing access to resources, support, and online courses, your employees will feel empowered to expand their knowledge and stay updated with the latest trends.

Final Thoughts

Investing in the development of leaders, whether current or potential, is crucial for the long-term success of your organisation. Remember, Helping your employees develop leadership skills doesn’t happen overnight and is an ongoing process that you need to assess frequently. However, by using any of these 10 strategies, you’re already taking steps towards nurturing strong leaders within your organisation.