Submitted by OfficeTeam

Most of us aren’t born knowing how to lead. And yet, it’s one of the most valuable traits you can possess at work, whether or not you’re a manager. That’s why it’s important to teach your employees how to direct and inspire others. Following are five ideas for developing leadership skills in your staff.

1. Delegate more authority. Make employees responsible for an overall project instead of a supporting task or two. They’ll gain experience in scheduling, budgeting, delegating, following up and providing progress reports. As their skills develop, staff members can be assigned projects of greater importance and scope.

2. Help them develop professionally. When delegating assignments, involve employees in the decision-making, problem-solving, communicating or planning stages. Enable them to learn how to lead.

3. Support ongoing education. If your company has a formal training program, urge your team to participate. If it doesn’t, help them find opportunities that will encourage professional growth, such as seminars, workshops or college classes.

4. Ask employees to lead discussions. Give your staff a chance to manage meetings by having them fill in for you in your absence. As a first step, suggest they deliver reports or presentations to groups of their colleagues.

5. Be a role model. People learn by observing and imitating the actions of others. Being a good leader yourself is the best way to teach your staff how to be successful in this role. Be fair in your decisions, set attainable goals, admit mistakes and articulate your vision.

Developing leadership skills among your staff requires an investment of time and effort, but it pays off in creating long-term employees who recognize — and benefit from — your efforts in promoting their career growth.

# # #

Submitted by:

OfficeTeam is the world's leading staffing service specializing in highly skilled office and administrative professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job services at www.officeteam.com.