Sonal Soveni, founder of The Table & Gallery and Awe in Art Films, shares valuable insights on leadership development in a recent article. Soveni emphasizes the importance of balancing personal growth with guiding and fostering the professional development of team members. By introducing various programs and opportunities for team members to enhance their leadership competencies, behaviors, and attitudes, individuals can become influential leaders within the organization.
Drawing from her own experience as a founder and CEO, Soveni highlights the importance of establishing authority and building relationships within a team. By leveraging one’s position and title to earn the trust and respect of team members through knowledge and experience, leaders can strengthen their influence and navigate challenges more effectively. Building relationships and understanding the needs of both the organization and team members can lead to additional support and resources, ultimately benefiting the company as a whole.
Furthermore, Soveni discusses the significance of building credibility and achieving results as a leader. By consistently learning, developing skills, and passing on knowledge to team members, leaders can enhance their own credibility and reliability. Regular training sessions, workshops, and cross-functional learning opportunities within teams can foster a culture of continuous learning and skill development, ultimately transforming other team members into effective leaders.
Transforming others on a team into leaders involves observing performance and behavior, identifying individuals who demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills, and providing support for their learning and development activities. By leveraging the support of a team that aligns with the leader’s vision and mission, leaders can focus on the bigger picture and drive positive change within the organization. Additionally, continuous personal development through feedback, goal-setting, challenging comfort zones, mentoring, and learning from failures can further maximize growth and success.
A key lesson highlighted by Soveni is the importance of leading by example. By demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and personal growth, leaders can inspire and motivate others within the organization to do the same. By embracing these practices, leaders can leverage their enhanced skills and knowledge to drive positive change, inspire their teams, and achieve greater success. Leadership development is not just about acquiring skills; it is also about adopting a mindset of continuous growth and improvement.
