A Culture of Leaders

by Jonathan Jones

For an organization to grow, it must begin with leadership. A leader sets the vision for the organization and puts the processes in place. There is only a certain capacity that a leader can be productive. Unfortunately, some leaders get into ruts and work in the business more than they work on the business. To multiply their ability, leaders must delegate. And to increase a leader’s influence, a leader must develop leaders.

Consider the concept of a culture of leaders. The chief executive officer’s key role is to set a vision and develop leaders to grow the organization. Meeting performance expectations is essential, and developing leaders in an expectation. When employees are expected to be leaders in their own areas, they take more ownership for their jobs.

This approach prepares future leaders to take on more responsibility and to delegate more. As young leaders make little mistakes, they are coached to improve so that they are less likely to make bigger mistakes as they help the company grow. Ensuring there are leaders in the organization also ensures a potential succession plan so the organization does not die when the leader does.

Look at your current organization. Are you able to answer the follow ing questions affirmatively?

• Are you meeting performance expectations? That is essential for success.
• Is there a process to develop future leaders?
• Is there a standard management development process for the company?
• Are there leaders developing in every area of the organization, especially in the high-growth areas?
• Is the leader of the organization looking for development outside of the company?

A positive response in these areas indicates that progress is being made in building a culture of leaders and preparing for a stronger future.

Jonathan Jones (Jonathan.jones@vistagechair.com or 314-608-0783) is a CEO peer group chair/coach for Vistage International.