True leadership is nurturing those in your charge .

Leadership isn't merely about being in charge; it’s about taking care of those in our charge. The very essence of leadership transcends the pursuit of performance metrics and results. It lies in the profound responsibility of leaders to foster, support, and guide the people who, in turn, are responsible for achieving those results. Yet, a critical flaw persists in our approach to leadership development, we don't teach people how to lead.

In the early stages of our careers, we receive extensive training to excel in our specific roles. Some even pursue advanced degrees to deepen their expertise. This rigorous training ensures we are proficient in our jobs. However, as we ascend the professional ladder and transition from individual contributors to leaders, the paradigm shifts. We are suddenly expected to lead people without the necessary training or preparation. This gap in leadership education is akin to expecting a doctor to practice medicine without attending medical school,unthinkable and fraught with risk.

Consider this, if you were to seek medical care, you would undoubtedly choose a doctor who has undergone years of specialized education and training. You trust them because their expertise is validated by their rigorous academic and practical training. So why do we tolerate a different standard for leadership? Why do we accept leaders who have received no formal training in leading others? This discrepancy is the root cause of many workplace issues, from micromanagement to toxic environments.

When individuals are promoted based on their technical skills without being equipped with leadership training, they often find themselves out of their depth. These well-meaning individuals may inadvertently create toxic work environments not because they are inherently bad people, but because they are unprepared for their new responsibilities. They revert to what they know managing tasks because they lack the tools and knowledge to lead people effectively.

This phenomenon explains why we encounter managers who micromanage or foster negative workplace cultures. These managers are not inherently flawed; they are simply making it up as they go along, lacking the fundamental training and support that would enable them to thrive as leaders. This is not only unfair to them but also detrimental to the teams they lead and the organizations they serve.

The solution is clear, we must prioritize leadership training. Just as we invest in developing technical skills, we must equally invest in cultivating leadership abilities. This training should encompass emotional intelligence, effective communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. By doing so, we empower leaders to create environments where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best.

Imagine a workplace where leaders are trained to lead with empathy and insight, where they understand that their primary responsibility is to nurture their teams. Such leaders would inspire loyalty, drive innovation, and cultivate a positive organizational culture. The ripple effect of well-trained leaders would be profound, leading to more engaged employees, higher productivity, and ultimately, better organizational outcomes.

Leadership is not an innate talent but a skill that must be learned and honed. By bridging the leadership training gap, we can transform our workplaces and unlock the full potential of our teams. Let us commit to developing leaders who are not just in charge but who genuinely care for those in their charge. Only then can we create workplaces that are not only productive but also fulfilling and inspiring for everyone involved.

Lead...

Author,

Ekaale Ekuam

A Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.