Skip navigation

How to enhance the leadership qualities of your employees

Developing leadership skills across all the people within your organization (not just the leaders) can boost engagement and motivation.

A group of 3 colleagues are looking at a 4th colleague. We can only see the back of the 4th colleague. They appear to be having a friendly discussion.A group of 3 colleagues are looking at a 4th colleague. We can only see the back of the 4th colleague. They appear to be having a friendly discussion.

Table of contents

Text LinkText Link

When hiring for any level position, leadership qualities are often at the top of a recruiter’s wish list. Some leadership qualities are innate, but many leadership skills must be learned and practiced.

Developing leadership skills across all the people within your organization (not just the leaders) can boost engagement and motivation. Plus, when people feel supported and nurtured, they’re more likely to be invested in the business's success. And, when you train all employees to be leaders, your internal recruitment opportunities grow.

What are the best ways to bring out leadership qualities in all employees?

Some employees are natural leaders; others require more help to bring out their leadership qualities and realize their potential. No matter their current leadership levels, all employees benefit from learning and practicing new leadership styles and techniques.

Here are 7 ways to help bring out leadership qualities in employees across your organization:

1. Encourage strong communication practices.

Leadership requires efficient and effective communication that is honest and transparent. Leaders must be able to talk to groups of all sizes and engage in difficult conversations when needed.

Help your employees prepare for leadership by training them on various communication styles and practices, including one-to-one conversations, public speaking and everything in between.

2. Set ambitious targets and stretch assignments.

Set ambitious targets as part of stretch assignments to help push employees outside their comfort zones and develop new skills. Stretch assignments should challenge employees to learn and grow. But make sure you support your employees with these endeavors. Point them toward learning opportunities, and listen when they need help or education to fill their skills gaps.

3. Avoid micromanagement.

Micromanagement is excessive supervision and control of an employee’s work and processes, which can hinder an employee’s career development. Micromanagement limits an employee’s freedom to make decisions and learn from mistakes. Plus, micromanagement can reduce an employee's self-confidence and leave them feeling demotivated.

Conversely, managers encouraging independent thinking and letting employees take responsibility for their decisions and results help employees learn and grow.

4. Encourage decision-making.

Making decisions is one of the most critical responsibilities for a leader. Some decisions can be made quickly, relying on instincts. Other choices require significant input and research. A good leader must show conviction while recognizing the need for agility when circumstances change.

Practicing when and how to make decisions takes time for employees. By providing opportunities for all your employees to make decisions, you can train them for this leadership skill well before they need to make the most complex decisions.

5. Provide cross-training opportunities.

Make it easy for employees to learn about the other teams across your organization so they can view your business holistically. For example, when your sales team understands the responsibilities of your product team, they better understand the unique value your product offers. This knowledge will help them communicate that value externally as part of their sales process. Cross-training also helps prepare employees for future leadership roles when they may have more people reporting to them and responsibilities within their domain.

6. Offer leadership training.

Learning on the job is essential, but dedicated leadership training is an excellent way for employees to focus on upskilling and re-skilling on their way to leadership roles. Leadership training should be intentionally diverse, with content coming from a variety of voices, to help employees prepare for anything that comes their way.

7. Create a mentoring program.

Mentorship programs help employees learn what it's like to be a leader and the skills they’ll need to develop to achieve their ambitions. Mentorship programs are also great at motivating senior leaders looking to give back and help empower those who follow.

Everyone can be a leader.

There are leadership opportunities at every level of employment. Preparing employees for leadership early, through training and real-life practice, is an excellent way to keep your team motivated and prepared for what’s ahead.

Motivate your people. Future-proof your business.

Leadership is the driving force that enables an organization to achieve its goals and objectives. Electives is an easier way to bring live leadership learning experiences to your teams. Our platform streamlines the planning, curation, administration nd measurement, which means you can deliver better quality learning with less effort.

Learn more about the Electives platform

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

People developing people: Unveiling the secrets of HR leadership in building thriving work cultures
Electives team
 
May 26, 2023

People developing people: Unveiling the secrets of HR leadership in building thriving work cultures

Hamutal Oren-Fox, an esteemed expert and the Chief People Officer at Venn City, shares practical perspectives on thriving work cultures.
People developing people
Empowering ERG leaders: Key strategies for success
Electives team
 
May 17, 2023

Empowering ERG leaders: Key strategies for success

As organizations strive to foster diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within their culture, employee resource groups (ERGs) have emerged as valuable assets, contributing to an organization's success.
In the news
Electives co-founder and CEO Jason Lavender in Business Ninjas
Electives team
 
May 16, 2023

Electives co-founder and CEO Jason Lavender in Business Ninjas

Jason Lavender, Electives co-founder and CEO, was recently interviewed by Kelsey McDonald on the Business Ninjas podcast, sponsored by WriteForMe.
In the news
Unveiling the key drivers of job satisfaction: Insights for people leaders
Electives team
 
May 15, 2023

Unveiling the key drivers of job satisfaction: Insights for people leaders

The recently conducted survey by The Conference Board sheds light on key drivers that shape employee satisfaction and offers valuable insights for organizations aiming to enhance their workplace environments.
In the news
Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace: A framework for HR leaders
Electives team
 
May 10, 2023

Embracing neurodiversity in the workplace: A framework for HR leaders

By creating an inclusive environment that values neurodiversity, we can empower all individuals to reach their full potential. Here are 3 ways you can embrace neurodiversity within your organization.
DEI
DEI holidays to celebrate in June 2023
Electives team
 
May 5, 2023

DEI holidays to celebrate in June 2023

We compiled a comprehensive list of June DEI holidays you may want to observe throughout your organization.
Holidays

View all posts

Custom LEARNING PROGRAMS

Let us help you build the learning program that is right for you.

Decision making can be complex! Especially when there are so many good choices and so little time in the day. That's why we offer customized onboarding. We'll help you define your objectives, map your strategy and develop a plan for meaningful learning impact.

Contact our sales team to learn more

Learn more