MightyRecruiterDeveloping Your Leadership Pipeline
A pipeline isn’t just a connection of pipes used to transport liquids or gases from one place to another. It also can refer to an organizational system that develops, prepares, or produces something. In the case of business, this usually means leaders. Your leadership pipeline is essential to the success and longevity of your corporation.
Where the Pipeline Originates
Contrary to what you may think, leaders shouldn’t come from external sources; they should come from within your own company. Who better to fill in upper-level positions than those who are already in the business, are loyal to it, and understand its vision and how it best functions
If you can’t see any of your employees becoming your future superiors, then your current executives need to change their priorities. Your leadership pipeline isn’t created on its own. It needs to be established by the existing leadership through the process of mentoring.
Leaders Are Teachers First
A leader does exactly that: leads. This implies there are others following. The question is, what are they following Is it only commands Leaders need to do more than give assignments and orders. They also need to lead by example. People learn how to be effective managers and directors by watching the examples of those they respect and admire.
However, it takes more than just this passive approach to develop your leadership pipeline. It also takes an active one. Your higher-ups must be involved in teaching those below them how to be proficient leaders and fulfill the accompanying responsibilities. You should establish an organizational system that makes training and mentoring top priorities.
You may need to change your corporate culture to make it more learning friendly. Your employees should feel comfortable asking questions and approaching their bosses. Your supervisors should make time for instructing and recognize potential within the company. Both parties should interact with each other in a way that allows for mutual growth while maintaining respect for authority.
There are many workers who would become strong leaders if given the opportunity and proper nurturing. If their potential isn’t acknowledged, these employees may eventually leave out of frustration and disappointment. They will go where they’re appreciated and become successful executives for your competitors.
The Benefits of an Internal Pipeline
A popular recruiting strategy is hiring people from elite universities, big-name companies, and the military. These aren’t bad methods, but they may not produce the long-lasting results you want. People from these places are excellent at making changes and delivering immediate successes. However, because they usually don’t stay around, the effects they’ve made usually don’t either once those people are gone.
There are several benefits of building your leadership pipeline from within instead.
1.You will have a perpetual pool of leaders with a continual turnover that won’t disrupt the function of your company.
2.Change is good and necessary, but you don’t need outsiders in order to obtain it. Because each person is different, there still will be progress and improvements made with insiders.
3. Someone who has grown along with the company is more likely to understand its needs better than an outsider will. An insider will know what has and has not worked in the past, how to interact with current staff, and who to hire or promote. The long ties an insider has to the business will drive dedicated, quality performance and investment.
4.You will have a higher retention rate of your staff members. When they know there is a potential for promotions, they will be more likely to stay around and do their best to earn higher positions.
5.Your company will become a place where people want to be because they are valued and mentored. This work environment will help attract the best in your industry and make it more competitive for applicants. This will give you a greater selection of people to hire who will eventually become future bosses.
6.Your leadership will improve. As leaders teach, they also learn. They become more aware of their duties and actions and try to practice what they preach.
Don’t Overlook Internal Talent
These benefits make it clear why you need to establish your leadership pipeline using your existing employees. They have much to offer if you are willing to take the time to tap into their talent. It may take some time in the beginning if you don’t already have this type of system, but it is well worth it. It will strengthen your business from the bottom to the top. For more information on how to create effective leaders, check out the other resources here at Mighty Recruiter.