Within any company, there are multiple leaders. However, not all leaders enter your organization waving a sign that says, “Look at me! I’m ready to lead!”
Fortunately, according to Greta Wagner, the executive director of Chelsea Piers in Stamford, Connecticut, there are more subtle signs you can look for that signify an employee is ready to command the pack.
“We don’t necessarily look for somebody who has a specific skill set,” explained Wagner. “Somebody doesn’t need to be a good golfer to run our golf club or participate in its management team.”
However, Wagner explained they must have these key qualities: honesty, integrity and a belief in the company’s brand. “That’s kind of the starting point,” she said. “That’s the foundation that is absolutely necessary to be a good leader.”
According to Wagner, it’s hard to develop an employee to lead if they don’t have inherent leadership qualities. “People tend to gravitate towards natural-born leaders,” she said. “I do believe there are lots of skills you can learn, but I believe [leadership] is something innate.”
However, not all leaders excel at every skill. There are instances in which you can help an employee grow in specific areas. “One time I had a person who had great delivery — he always said the right thing to people, but I don’t think there was real sincerity,” Wagner recalled. “So sometimes, you just have to have a very open, honest discussion to help people grow and get past their hurdles. You have to kind of just put it out there, and don’t worry about hurt feelings.”
According to Wagner, great leaders accept criticism at face value, and grow from it. “Another sign of a great leader is you can be self-critical — you can take constructive criticism and not think that you know it all,” she said. “I think some of the best leaders that I’ve worked with are people who can take it. They ask questions such as, how am I doing?”
What are some red flags an employee isn’t ready to lead? Wagner explained poor communication and the inability to listen are definite warning signs. In addition, if an employee gets easily worn down and isn’t able to pick themselves up, they’ll likely be unable to inspire their team. “You have to have that personality that is looking at the positive side of things,” she said.
Finally, helping develop your employees into leaders, requires you being an effective mentor as well. “Being a mentor is somewhat like being a good leader: listen to the person who’s looking to you for guidance,” she said. “It’s being there and being able to guide them and being available, and really looking out for what’s best.”
Wagner believes that developing your employees as leaders is one of the greatest investments any company can make. “Constantly develop your team,” she said. “Dollars are best spent by continuing the education and continuing to make people feel that they’re valued — and investing in them and their growth is the way to do that.”
By Rachel Zabonick
