As we enter this holiday season, and bring authenticity and connection with others into our offices, I want to focus on the responsibility we have as leaders to develop others. 

I recently attended the HRPS Fall Forum in Washington DC to further my own development,  do a little business development and  return to work with an inspiration for this blog post. 

I returned with the valuable reminder that as a leader, I only have one job. And so do you.

As leaders, our job is to create other leaders.

Bob Rosen, CEO, Healthy Companies International made this point in his morning keynote, and it was repeated over and over by other speakers throughout the next two days. I was struck by how fundamental this is, and how frequently the concept of creating other leaders is overlooked as we busy ourselves with metrics, goals and deadlines.  We forget sometimes that people are at the core of all we do. And if we really want to develop the business, we need to develop our people.  

It’s interesting to me how many clients say they need to improve how managers develop their staff. Where do we start?

Start with a conversation. Ask the people who report to you where they want to be in five years.  Really listen. Give them the gift of your time and understanding.

Once you’ve started that conversation, dig a little deeper by asking:

• What gives you meaning?
• How much time and energy do you give to this purpose?
• How does your work foster your search for meaning?

Share your great love and a passion for what you do and nurture that in those around you.  This holiday season, when you’re thinking about the most valuable gifts you can give to others, give the gift of leadership. After all, it’s the most important job you have.