It’s fascinating how leadership skills can significantly impact a business’s bottom line. For instance, I worked with a medical company that had a 30% turnover rate, a billion-dollar problem. We found that great nurses promoted to managers struggled because they lacked leadership skills. By training staff in leadership, we reduced the turnover rate to 5%, saving the company hundreds of millions of dollars.

Leadership isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about understanding and relating to people. Stephen Covey, in his book “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” emphasizes that you can’t manage people, only tasks. Effective leadership involves being available and supportive in the moment, which is critical for bringing out the best in others.

The Number One Leadership Skill: Empowerment and Delegation

One of the biggest hurdles for leaders is the ability to empower and delegate. If you want to grow from a leader to a leader of leaders, you need to enable others to succeed. This isn’t about abdicating responsibility but intentional delegation—aligning individual growth with business needs and providing support and guidance.

For example, during the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, I recognized Harrison’s organizational skills. By empowering him to lead the logistics, we successfully launched teams to rebuild homes. Intentional delegation involves knowing the strengths of your team members and providing them with opportunities to excel.

Removing Barriers and Allowing Growth

An essential part of leadership is removing barriers for your team. This means supporting them, checking in without hovering, and helping them overcome obstacles. Sometimes, allowing them to struggle can be beneficial for their growth. It’s similar to parenting—protecting them initially but gradually giving them the space to learn and succeed independently.

Fostering a People-Focused Culture

One of the most effective ways to lead is by focusing on people. In my own business, I’ve seen significant growth by intentionally empowering team members, understanding their strengths, and providing opportunities for them to lead. This approach not only benefits the individuals but also the entire organization.

Empowerment and delegation are game-changers in leadership. By focusing on your people, understanding their strengths, removing barriers, and giving them space to grow, you can elevate your business to new heights. Remember, your success as a leader is intertwined with the success of your team. So, let’s start empowering and delegating intentionally to build stronger, more effective teams.