There are many qualities that go into becoming a great leader. But to become truly great requires more than just competency in your industry. The best leaders are authentic and have a clear vision for what they want to accomplish.
As part of this, they aren’t focused on themselves. Instead, they’re focused on lifting others and helping them achieve their potential. When leaders focus first on lifting others, rather than stressing about their own prestige or personal gain, they ultimately create an environment that allows everyone to thrive.
Lifting Others Improves Team Morale
Leaders set the tone for their organization. How you treat others as a leader is what guides your culture and the behavior of others. When you lift those around you through your words or actions, you help them feel valued — and this is critical for organizational success. A report by HR Dive noted that 46.4% of employees only feel “somewhat valued” by their employer, and 10.7% didn’t feel “valued at all.”
These negative sentiments can have a direct impact on an individual’s satisfaction and motivation at work, leading to lower productivity and a higher turnover rate. On the other hand, a report from WebMD Health Services notes that 40% of workers say their performance improves when they feel seen, and 33% become more engaged. In addition, workplaces with a strong sense of belonging report a 50% decrease in turnover and a 56% improvement in job performance.
Lifting others can be a core component of creating this sense of belonging and being seen, because it shows employees that leaders have their best interests at heart. It shows that you are focused on their needs and experiences, and are actively striving to put them first.
Your Lift Enhances Others’ Development
Leaders who focus on lifting others play a significant role in enhancing their growth and development. Through mentorship, feedback or giving someone new responsibilities, these actionable forms of developmental lift can help others grow in confidence and skills.
This became especially clear during a conversation with Glenda Smith, executive director of So Kids Soar, a nonprofit that provides free adaptive activities for youth with physical and development disabilities. As she explained,
“Every person needs to feel needed — and this includes individuals with disabilities. When we have a leadership role, we have the responsibility to find ways to help those around us grow and reach their full potential. If we don’t give them these opportunities for growth, they will stay at the same level. On the other hand, if we work side by side to lift them and help them as they take on new responsibilities or challenges, we can help them see what they can become.”
Smith’s thoughts are in line with her organization’s goal of helping children with disabilities “realize their potential,” in part by focusing on learning and building confidence through a variety of activities and programs that focus on individual growth that leads to greater independence and belief in their capabilities.
A similar type of lift can occur in the workplace when leaders look for ways to be active participants in the growth and development of their employees. Helping employees increase their own capabilities will enable them to make greater contributions to your organization, creating greater enthusiasm and engagement as they begin to realize their full potential.
How to Become a Leader Who Lifts Others
There are a few simple strategies that leaders can use to ensure they lift others. Consistently incorporating these practices can help you become a positive influence who offers more meaningful mentorship in the lives of those you lead.
1. Provide Constructive Feedback
Constructive feedback, when offered consistently and in a positive manner, can help team members learn and improve. Of course, how you deliver this feedback is essential. You should try to balance recommendations for improvement with acknowledgement of achievements and accomplishments to keep team members motivated and focused on their growth potential.
2. Create a Collaborative Environment
Many of your greatest opportunities for lifting others will come through direct collaborative efforts. Look for ways to make your work environment more team-oriented, allowing you to work directly with those you lead. Working side by side allows you to teach and lift through action, and not just words. Becoming a proactive and positive collaborator provides an example of your work culture that will lift others.
3. Delegate
“Learning by doing” is often cited as one of the best principles for learning and growth. Giving those you lead the opportunity to take on a new task that stretches their capabilities will result in natural growth and self-improvement. Delegating tasks can help turn theoretical knowledge into meaningful learning and skill development, which also prepares individuals to make greater contributions in the future.
Leaders who lift others can have an outsized impact on the development, happiness and well-being of their employees and those their organization serves. This naturally has a profound effect on what your organization is able to achieve, but it can also benefit you personally, as well. In addition to finding greater fulfillment and satisfaction in your leadership role, lifting others will create new opportunities for personal growth and learning that serve you well throughout your career.