MEMORIES FROM 2016: “Leaders don't make followers, they make more leaders". What a quote! I read this quote recently in Facebook:

It is so ironic that when some people get to the top, they forget one of the most critical responsibilities of the position; which is to identify those under their leadership who show natural leadership potential, and then help to channel those talents so that at some point they can get into leadership positions by themselves.
 
A genuine leader must have the vision to forecast and anticipate the future needs of the organization, then mentor and teach those with the potential to carry on and fulfill the leadership needs for longevity and success.
 
Furthermore, a leader must never forget that the "working bees" are the reason behind any organization or company's success and that amongst them there is a supply of candidates ready to take on that challenge.
 
When molding a leader, a common mistake that some top leaders make is to focus solely on the technical skills of the “working bee” instead of identifying those overall hidden skills that makes a good leader. We see it all the time, organizations promoting employees that have great technical skills for the job, however, they have the weakest and poorest management and people’s skills. The outcome is an unfortunate lack of balance.

​The fact is that a leader does not necessarily have to be an expert in the technical aspects of making the “product.” Their job is to “persuade, motivate, guide and lead” others to do their best.  Want an example? Take for instance the conductor of a prestigious symphony orchestra. If he/she playing any instrument while conducting? Of course not.
 
So, my message for current leaders out there is; create a legacy and ensure that when you leave your position of power, you leave behind individuals who are self-assured, competent, skilled, knowledgeable and ready to take on the challenge of “persuading and motivating others” to do and be the best. One last thing, while you do that, make sure that you do not overlook diversity and provide opportunities to all those who qualify for.