Great leaders don’t look to create great followers. Great leaders look to create other great leaders.
One of the things high-caliber leaders know will help to create other great leaders, is sharing the spotlight and the glory. Last week, I saw this in action in a very interesting place, a club in West Hollywood.
I saw my favorite musician, Jamie Cullum, perform an intimate set at the Roxy. He’s a jazz (and pop crossover) artist from the UK. He brought with him two other members of his band, so he performed as a trio (piano, bass, and drums.) I stood and clapped and sang along and jumped up and down (yes, jumping at a jazz gig – it happens)
Towards the end of the set, he asked if there was anyone in the audience who could play the piano in the key of G. What?!?!?! Was he really going to pull a complete stranger on stage and allow them to play the piano? Was he going to allow total strangers to play a vital role in his show?
Indeed, he did. And, two very talented pianists had a moment to shine on-stage with him (and take the requisite selfie!) It was impressive.
From a leadership perspective, it took guts. It took selflessness. It took confidence. It took confidence in the two unknowns. And, it took confidence in his regular bandmates. It was a great moment in the show. It was a moment worth emulating as a leader.
- Who on your team is ready to do more and to be more? What projects are you handing them?
- When was the last time you, as a leader, gave someone a chance to share the spotlight with you?
- What are you doing to cultivate the kind of trust in your team to have the confidence to step aside and let someone else shine?
- How are you letting others shine? How are letting them demonstrate their skills and talents?
Great leaders are willing to share the spotlight. Share yours. It builds confidence, enhances employee engagement, makes great use of resources, and can drive results.
Want more tools on how to be a high-caliber leader like Jamie Cullum? Did you miss the live webinar “High-Caliber Communication: Chart a Career By Choice, Not Chance?” Download the on-demand version now.
Pamela Jett is a communication skills and leadership expert who knows that words matter! In her keynote presentations, workshops, books and online learning programs, she moves beyond communication theory into practical strategies that can be implemented immediately to create the kind of leadership, teamwork, and employee engagement results her clients want.