The Art of People-Building: Leadership That Lasts
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John Maxwell
As we head into a new year, the need for strong, people-focused leadership has never been greater. John Maxwell recently noted that we face a serious problem of leadership deficiency. In a world filled with uncertainty, rapid change, and disconnection, leaders who invest in others—who build people—are more important than ever. Read more from John Maxwell.
True leadership isn’t about holding a title or driving short-term results; it’s about creating a legacy by helping others reach their full potential. People builders inspire, guide, and empower those around them to grow into confident, capable leaders.
Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring a colleague, or striving to impact your community, the principles of people-building are timeless and essential. Here are five actionable steps to help you become a leader who builds people for lasting impact.
Refreshed for 2024 from 6/24/2022 Article
Leadership isn’t just about driving results; it’s about building people. True leaders leave a lasting legacy by developing those around them. They inspire, guide, and empower others to grow into the best versions of themselves.
While some of the steps may overlap in spirit—like seeing potential, mentoring, and empowering—each one plays a unique role in the people-building journey. Together, they form a cohesive process that takes others from recognition of their potential to ownership of their leadership abilities.
Here are five actionable steps to help you become a people builder:
1. See Potential in Others
It all begins with a shift in perspective. To become a people builder, you must see others not just as they are but as they could be—and then take it a step further.
"As a leader, seeing potential in people is only the starting point; you must take responsibility for nurturing that growth."
Distinction: While this step focuses on identification and responsibility, the other steps—mentoring, listening, encouraging, and empowering—are tools to bring that potential to life.
How to Practice This Today:
• Look for unique strengths or untapped skills in your team, colleagues, or family members.
• Share positive, specific observations: “Your creativity in solving that issue really stood out.”
• Encourage growth by assigning stretch responsibilities.
• Provide honest yet supportive feedback to guide improvement.
• Always include assurance: “What do you need from me to succeed?”
Why It Matters in 2024:
In a fast-paced world, people crave acknowledgment. Leaders who see potential and invest in others create resilient, adaptable teams.
2. Invest Time in Mentoring
Once potential is identified, mentoring becomes the vehicle for growth. Mentoring is intentional, time-consuming, and personal. It’s about walking alongside someone on their journey to becoming better.
Distinction: Unlike step one (recognizing potential), mentoring is an ongoing commitment to help others develop the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to grow.
Action Plan:
• Set aside consistent time for mentoring conversations. Prioritize their goals and challenges.
• Share your own experiences—both successes and failures—so they can learn from your journey.
• Encourage self-reflection: Ask, “What did you learn? How would you approach this differently next time?”
Pro Tip for 2024:
Hybrid work has made regular in-person mentorship more difficult. Use tools like Zoom, Slack, or Microsoft Teams to maintain frequent, high-impact touchpoints.
3. Listen Actively and Empathetically
People builders are exceptional listeners. While mentoring focuses on guidance, listening focuses on understanding. Active listening builds trust and uncovers what people really need to grow.
Distinction: Active listening is about presence and connection. It ensures that mentoring and empowerment efforts are built on a foundation of trust and clarity.
How to Elevate Your Listening Skills:
• Be fully present: Put away distractions and focus entirely on the person speaking.
• Ask open-ended questions: “What excites you about this opportunity? What’s holding you back?”
• Follow up: Show you care by remembering and revisiting previous conversations.
Empathy in Action (2024 Insight):
Burnout and stress are at all-time highs. People builders who listen empathetically foster a sense of safety, trust, and belonging that inspires people to persevere.
4. Build Confidence Through Encouragement
Growth requires confidence. When people believe in themselves, they are willing to take risks, embrace challenges, and step into leadership roles. Your words of encouragement can fuel that confidence.
Distinction: While listening builds trust and understanding, confidence-building involves reinforcing someone’s belief in their abilities, even when they doubt themselves.
Strategies for Boosting Confidence:
• Celebrate both big and small wins. Recognition inspires motivation and reinforces progress.
• Reframe failures as growth opportunities: “What can we learn from this to improve?”
• Reflect their past successes back to them: “Remember how you solved X? You have what it takes to handle this, too.”
2024 Perspective:
As rapid change creates uncertainty, your encouragement can provide an anchor of belief that keeps people moving forward.
5. Empower Others to Lead
The ultimate goal of people-building is not just personal growth—it’s creating future leaders. Empowerment means trusting others to take ownership and lead.
Distinction: Empowerment is the culmination of the previous steps. You’ve seen their potential, mentored them, listened to their needs, and built their confidence. Now, it’s time to let them step forward and lead.
How to Empower Effectively:
• Delegate with trust: Assign meaningful responsibilities and give them autonomy to execute.
• Offer guidance, not control: Be available to support, but don’t micromanage.
• Acknowledge their leadership: Celebrate how their contributions drive success.
Looking Ahead:
As challenges grow more complex, organizations need leaders at every level. By empowering others, you create a ripple effect—building leaders who will go on to build others.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a people builder isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about helping others uncover their strengths, overcome challenges, and step into their potential.
While these steps may overlap, they each serve a distinct purpose in the growth journey:
1. See Potential: Recognize and take responsibility for someone’s growth.
2. Invest Time in Mentoring: Guide them intentionally and personally.
3. Listen Empathetically: Build trust by seeking to understand.
4. Build Confidence: Reinforce belief in their abilities.
5. Empower Leadership: Trust them to take ownership and lead.
"Right now, the need for people builders is greater than ever. The impact you make by investing in one person will ripple far beyond what you can see."
Take Action:
What’s one step you can take today to build someone up? Whether it’s offering encouragement, mentoring, or simply listening, even the smallest act of people-building can have a life-changing impact.
New Resources to Explore:
• Book Recommendation: The Mentor Leader by Tony Dungy
• Tool: Use Evernote to track notes on conversations and ensure thoughtful follow-ups.
• Quote to Remember: “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, but his work has inspired others to lead.” – Lao Tzu
Expect to Win!
#xp2win
