I had many people invest in me when I was a young leader, but one person in particular had the greatest influence in shaping who I am even to this day. Here are 7 practical ways he invested in me. Use these to invest in the younger leaders in your life!
1. Pick carefully
Select someone in whom you see high potential and a teachable attitude as well as is good fit with you.
2. Take risks
Allow the young leader to actually lead by entrusting them with valued opportunities.
3. Eat!
Just kidding! Only partly. Spend time with the young leader beyond just work. Meals are a great starting place.
4. Share your credibility
Young leaders need you to loan some of your hard-earned credibility chips until they can earn their own.
5. Be natural
Don’t try to make this robotic or programmatic. It’s the relationship that counts the most!
6. Be transparent
Let them know not only about your successes but also about how you have failed and navigated it.
7. Learn from them
Young leaders not only have much to learn, they also have much to share with us. Take advantage of their perspectives, knowledge and experiences.
Jay Desko is the CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.
