Why You Should Develop Employees Into Leaders

A business expert once said, “The most successful companies don’t recruit leaders, they grow their own.” Few people are natural leaders. But, many can be taught how to be effective team leaders. Consider four reasons why you should develop employees into leaders.

Encourages recruitment and retention
Employee leadership training often is underappreciated and overlooked as a recruitment and retention tool. Most companies admit that developing leaders is important, but few do anything about it. Interestingly, only 13 percent of employees say they do a good job of developing leaders at all levels.

Employees are more likely to join a business if they receive leadership training, research shows. When businesses invest in employee training, and especially leadership development, workers are more satisfied with their work and decide to stick around. And these businesses quickly develop a reputation as being an employer of choice.

"The most successful companies
don’t recruit leaders, they grow their own.” 

Leadership training requires a commitment of time and finances. Depending on the business size, these two resources may be in short supply. Using an online training software system, once the training is set up, it just needs updates to keep the information fresh. Training modules also can be created for employees with specific work responsibilities.

Promotes effective communication, listening and nonverbal skills
Many younger workers express interest in developing better written and verbal communication skills. By helping employees become more effective communicators, they become valuable employees. They can connect with customers and clearly explain your business services, products, and special features. Through online training, also teach employees listening skills, so they understand what people are saying and asking.

As employees develop strong communication skills,
they become more comfortable as team leaders and
advocates for your business.

In addition to helping employees better share their ideas when speaking or writing, teach them the importance of positive nonverbal communication. Often when workers communicate with other associates or customers, their facial expressions don’t match what they say, or with your business’ mission and values. Studies show that smiling while talking on the phone conveys positive messages to the callers. And the tone of the person’s voice when answering calls communicates 84 percent of the message.

As employees develop strong communication skills, they become more comfortable as team leaders and advocates for your business.

Enhances business reputation
Through online training modules, businesses save time and money because they can consistently teach employees the same information. Everyone will receive the same details, so this lessens misunderstandings. And since the material is online, employees can relisten to the modules over and over from any digital device, and at any time. If they’ve forgotten a few points, they can quickly refresh their understanding. Consistency in training is one of the hallmarks of developing good leaders.

Through online training, business owners and
managers can teach important leadership skills
and reinforce their mission and core values.

Online training also helps employees feel more confident about their job. They can easily work together with other employees on projects, even if they are located in multiple offices locations or are traveling for the company. (Read this article to learn more.) Customers will quickly notice the positive attitudes and ease in which employees do their jobs.

Through online training, business owners and managers can teach important leadership skills and reinforce their mission and core values.

Prepares the business for future growth
Business owners and managers usually are concerned about the longevity and future of the business. One key way to ensure continued growth is to train employees to be effective leaders and team members. Through this training, employees develop stronger connections to the company. Workers see their work as more than a job, but an opportunity to make a difference in the success of the business.

Review nine tips for selecting the right online software system for your business.