Hot Potato

It is impossible for a company to grow, without the leader letting go of some of his tasks. That is understandable but so often I hear leaders proudly boasting that they have “gotten rid of” certain tasks that they didn’t like doing. That is wrong on so many counts. Let me explain.

How do you think the person to whom you have off loaded the unwelcome task will feel about being the patsy that has picked it up? No matter how esteemed a chef might be does anyone relish being his dish washer? Why not delegate some more responsible elements of the job that will allow the person picking them up to grow, to learn and to prove themselves? Not only does the leader lighten their load but they also get to develop a more junior member of the team and help prepare them for leadership opportunities in the future.

Don’t pass it on like a hot potato but treat it as an opportunity and a test for everyone involved.

We must never underestimate the importance of will, or desire when appointing someone to a new job and a great candidate will be actively looking for every opportunity to be able to show their abilities and mettle. What better then to make those opportunities available allowing us to see individual’s appetite to learn and grow? To assess their eagerness to step into a leadership environment?

I guarantee that if you try to move someone, who doesn’t want to be a leader, into a leadership role it will end badly.

So the questions for today are:

• How attractive do you make the opportunities for people to step up?
• Are you deliberate and thoughtful about the process?
• How many people do you have in your organisation doing roles over and above their day job in preparation for leadership roles in the future?
• Is ‘the willingness and ability to grow’ a must have in your recruitment regime?
• If not, why not?

If you need any help, reach out

Many successful business owners eventually hit a wall on growth and struggle to climb it alone. When you work with me you get a fresh perspective, a solid plan, and customised coaching so you can grow and scale your business safely and at speed.

To check whether I can help you on that journey https://calendly.com/iankinnery/canweworktogether