Do you have a relentless commitment to developing your leaders? We all know it’s critical to develop emerging leaders, right? Only a portion of leadership development should happen in a classroom, right?

Agree so far? This is an important way to differentiate. Many leaders don’t get this point. Have you thought about how you develop leaders? Hmm. Here are 10 questions to get the wheels turning. These questions should be asked regularly. They provide you with the discipline to be successful in this crucial part of leadership.

1. Do your emerging leaders know they are emerging leaders?

Have the discussion. For development, you both have to be on the same page.

2. Do you discuss career development regularly with your emerging leaders?

Talk about it. Discussing work is important but spending time discussing the development path to identify every opportunity is necessary too.

3. Do you share stories of YOUR development progress to this point and your next steps?

It is all about them but hearing your experiences can be a learning opportunity. The formula: It’s about them, a bit about you, then translate how it relates to them.

4. Do you hire emerging leaders or merely fill positions?

Filling a post to get the job done is tempting. Adding the ability for the candidate to grow as a leader is a next level that is valuable.

5. Do your emerging leaders work on the relevant challenges of the company?

Are emerging leaders working on substance. It’s important that their work makes a difference. Relating their work to the strategy of the business teaches critical lessons.

6. Do your emerging leaders teach each other?

The best way to learn is to teach. Create opportunities for emerging leaders to learn from each other. Balance competition with collaboration. 60/40 must start early.

7. Do your emerging leaders teach you?

You’re never too old or wise to learn from your emerging leaders. This dynamic sets the stage for a relationship that allows for vulnerability and truth.

8. Do your emerging leaders have access to the top executive?

Can you span the layers for your emerging leaders? Why not have access across the board? This is where the learning happens.

9. Are career plans evaluated in your performance measurement?

Developing of leaders should be a measured goal for everyone in a leadership position. Time and effort needs to be allocated and this is a good way to do it.

10. Do your emerging leaders make cross-boundary staffing decisions?

Check to be sure that emerging leaders are promoting the development of those they bring into the organization.

» Leadership » 10 questions for Leadership Development...
On September 30, 2014
By Jim Canterucci
emerging leader, Jim Canterucci, Leadership, leadership development, succession, The New Leadership Normal

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