How to bring out the best in others

Great leaders discover the potential around them. As more and more companies are comfortable adding people to their organizations, so is the potential for growth. 

We have an opportunity to develop and mold the next leaders of our organizations. To create the right opportunities for growth, we have to bring out the best in the people around us.

Leaders who inspire employees to stretch themselves to superior performance are the ones making the difference. These are the mentors of tomorrow. And the world needs more of them, especially now, when leaders are expected to do more with less.

As leaders, how can we bring out the best in others?

Become interested in your people

Human Relations and author Dale Carnegie wrote,” Become genuinely interested in other people.”  In today’s world, leaders are respected by the way they treat others. If we can show a genuine interest in the well-being of another, we are creating a positive environment for them to flourish. Everyone has a story to tell, but are we really interested in their stories? Are we really taking the time to listen and relate to their stories?

Discover their strengths

One of the biggest challenges we have as leaders, is to identify each person talent and how their talent fits to the overall picture. Leaders must identify the capacities of their teams. We need to understand how each person can contribute and add value to our team and customers. You have to spend time with your people and see where they shine.  Concentrate on developing those strengths within your team as part of the development and growth.

Learn to be a mentor

Helping others grow is a major part of bringing the best in others. A strong leader has the ability to inspire and develop their teams to a better future. Mentoring happens when we are committed to the growth of another person. We see the potential and we dedicate our time and resources to help them blossom. Most of us have mentors and we value the impact they are making on our lives.Let's take what we learned and do the same thing for others.

Celebrate Success

Last but not least, we must never forget the impact of a positive recognition. Congratulating and appreciating someone creates a lasting memory. It’s the token for a job well-done and celebrating our success together. 

Catching people doing something right communicate we value what they do on a daily basis. It’s the applause at the end of the show. As C.C Colton said, “Applause is the spur of noble minds.”

If you have some ideas on how to bring the best in others, please feel free to share them.