Ground-Level Leadership Development = Long-Term Success

Organizations don’t thrive because people merely “fill a role.” They grow when people
want to contribute, stretch, and do meaningful work. Leadership development is one of
the most effective ways to spark that kind of purpose.

Most people don’t immediately recognize their own leadership potential. While only
about 10% of people are natural leaders, another 20% can become strong leaders with
the right training. Companies that invest in leadership development often see significant
gains—about a 25% boost in business performance, and a 20% increase in overall
effectiveness.

Leadership development, then, isn’t a perk. It’s an investment in the future of your team
and your organization.

As leaders, we’re responsible for creating an environment where people can grow.
Growth doesn’t happen by accident. You have to plant the right seeds, water them
consistently, and nurture them over time. If you don’t, unwanted behaviors can take root
just as easily as the ones you want. And like anything in nature, as long as something is
growing, it’s alive and producing results. Once it stops growing, it starts to decline.

That’s why leadership development must start at the ground level. A strong program
gives your people the nutrients they need to succeed. Here are the essentials:

• Foster Accountability
  Stephen Covey said it best: “Accountability breeds response-ability.” When leaders
  clearly and consistently hold themselves and their teams accountable, they create a
  culture where expectations are understood and met. Allowing poor performance or
  negative behavior to slide—especially from yourself—undermines growth.
  Accountability sets the foundation for real progress.
• Encourage Cross-Training
  Cross-training helps employees see their work from new angles, appreciate the skills of
  others, and understand how every part of the organization connects. When people
  experience different roles, they gain empathy, competence, and a broader sense of
  ownership. The more they understand the whole, the stronger the team becomes.
• Provide Mentorship
  John Maxwell reminds us: “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is
  about one life influencing another.” During the pandemic, companies increased
  mentoring programs by 30%. Today, 84% of Fortune 500 companies—and every
  Fortune 50 company—use them. Mentorship accelerates learning, builds confidence,
  and reinforces your cultural values through real human connection.

Recognizing and developing leadership potential should always begin at the ground
level. Plant well, nurture consistently, and your organization will continue to grow.

Keep growing,
Jeff