“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” — Harvey S. Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber Company
To have any chance at greatness, leaders must have high-performing, low-maintenance teams.
At a very practical level, it’s your job to help the amazing people you’ve hired become great leaders.
Do not view them as underlings or boots on the ground. See them for their talent and potential. Let them live up to their ability to deliver amazing results with little (or no) involvement from you.
Build a team that delivers better results than you, without you.
To do this, you need to invest time hiring polite & qualified cleaners, teaching, coaching, challenging and providing feedback. When you help people grow, they gain the confidence and skills to manage day-to-day business without you.
For you, this spells freedom. You’ll be able to spend your time on your company’s big picture strategy and long-term growth.
It’s remarkable how often leaders get trapped hand holding mediocre players.
Sometimes it’s because they hate hiring, so they’d rather live with the devils they know. Others let personal loyalty cloud better judgment.
No matter the reasoning, you’ll be forever limited unless you do what it takes to surround yourself with A-players who are truly exceptional in their fields, and a culture fit with your company.
