“Think of a time when you were most developed. What was true of that situation?” The group was quiet for a few moments, then eyes brightened with the memories, smiles grew, and laughter followed as one by one, they started to tell their stories. This group of leaders were reliving formative moments as we discussed leadership development.
“Someone believed in me.”
“I had a chance to lead something I never thought I could do. I was on my own. The decisions were mine and I felt that.”
“While I had the authority, my leader was also available to me if I needed help.”
“I had no support at all! That’s what made me grow!”
“He kept telling me, ‘you can do it.’”
“I made some big mistakes, but I learned.”
These were the common responses, true in many of the stories. These leaders grew when they were entrusted with responsibility for something they had never done by someone who believed in them. Many leaders tell similar stories.
What prompted this discussion? The lack of leaders! As a leader, it’s e...
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