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Leadership vs Commitment: How To Identify Leaders In Your Team

Writer's picture: Maya IsharaniMaya Isharani

Finding the right leaders to trust and delegate responsibilities is a challenging endeavor.


However, leaders often struggle with delegation in their businesses because they hold a deep sense of ownership and passion for their ventures. They've poured their time, energy, and often their personal resources into building and nurturing the business. This emotional attachment can lead them to believe that nobody else will care about the company's success as much as they do. As a result, they may hesitate to relinquish control over crucial tasks or decision-making. This reluctance to delegate can be further fueled by a fear of potential mistakes or a desire to maintain a tight grip on every aspect of the operation.


For sustainable growth and long-term success, owners must learn to trust the people on their team and be willing to let go. Delegation is not just about lightening the workload but also about fostering leadership within the organization. It's an opportunity to mentor and develop team members, enabling them to take on more responsibility and contribute to the business's growth. Owners who can trust and empower their team to take the lead not only free up their own time to focus on strategic matters but also create a culture of leadership and innovation within their company, which is essential for achieving sustained success.



It's no secret that quality leaders are a valuable asset for any organization. However, the process of identifying these individuals is not always straightforward. Business owners often find themselves in a dilemma when leadership positions become available. The default approach may be to promote experienced employees, especially those who have been loyal and dedicated for a considerable period. This inclination is understandable, as experience is undoubtedly valuable. Still, it can turn into a disaster if these experienced employees lack the true qualities of a leader.


Promoting individuals based solely on tenure or experience can be detrimental to any organization. It's not enough for a employees to have put in the years; they need to possess the attributes that make them effective in guiding a team and driving the company forward. The qualities that differentiate a leader from an experienced employee are crucial in this context.


The experienced employees who fall short of true leadership qualities often exhibit a sense of entitlement. They may expect the company to revolve around their needs and bend to their beck and call.


A survey conducted by Gallup, highlights the significance of leadership in the workplace. It found that employees who work under effective leaders are more engaged, motivated, and productive, contributing to better business outcomes.


True leaders are not interested in being served; they are focused on serving their teams and the organization as a whole. They understand the importance of creating more leaders within the company, fostering a culture of growth and development. This approach aligns with the findings of a study published in the Harvard Business Review, which emphasizes that organizations benefit greatly from leaders who prioritize coaching and mentoring their employees, ultimately creating a pool of future leaders.


While experience is undoubtedly valuable, it's imperative for business owners to look beyond tenure and assess individuals for true leadership qualities.


To distinguish between experienced employees and true leaders, business owners can look for a few key indicators:


1. Initiative

Leaders proactively seek opportunities for improvement and take ownership, while experienced employees may wait for instructions.


2. Problem-solving

True leaders excel at finding innovative solutions, whereas experienced employees may rely on established methods.


3. Communication

Leaders inspire and motivate others through effective communication, while experienced employees may focus on their tasks.



4. Adaptability

Leaders embrace change and guide their teams, while experienced employees may resist change or follow it without leading.


5. Decision-Making

Leaders make well-considered decisions, even in uncertainty, whereas experienced employees might seek more guidance.


6. Teamwork

Leaders foster collaboration and mentorship within their teams, while experienced employees may primarily focus on individual tasks.


7. Long-term vision

Leaders think strategically, considering the big picture, while experienced employees may concentrate on short-term goals.


8. Influence

Leaders can inspire others to follow their lead, while experienced employees may not have the same influence.


By assessing these qualities, business owners can identify individuals who not only have experience but also possess leadership potential.


These attributes can be learnt, but team members need to first have the motivation to change and get better. At Level Up, we conduct leadership workshops to set the foundations for creating a Culture of Ownership. Fill out the form below for a free consultation!


 

MAYA ISHARANI

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©2019 by Maya Isharani

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