Becoming a leader of leaders isn’t just about guiding a team; it’s about empowering others to grow into their potential. One of the greatest joys in leadership is watching someone take what they’ve learned from you and transform it into their own unique style. My C.A.P.E. isn’t about me—it’s about helping others rise to a place where they’re wearing their own capes, ready to lead with confidence and resilience. Here are three core skills that every leader should develop to inspire and elevate those around them.
1. Active Listening
Active listening goes beyond just hearing words; it’s about creating room for growth and professional discovery. When you listen, you empower others to find their own way forward. Imagine sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle while the other person drives. Yes, you’ll provide guidance and feedback at times, but their hands are on the wheel.
Why It’s Important: Active listening fosters trust and encourages open communication, helping leaders guide others without taking away their autonomy. When people feel heard and respected, they’re more likely to invest in their growth and discover solutions on their own.
C.A.P.E. Tip: Practice “reflective listening” by rephrasing what someone has said to confirm understanding and offer gentle direction when needed. You may feel the urge to jump in with advice—resist that urge and focus on fully listening first. Allow them to navigate their own course; remember, they’re in the driver’s seat, and your role is to support rather than take the wheel. For example, if a team member says, “I feel overwhelmed with the new project,” you might respond, “It sounds like this project is a lot to manage, and it’s adding to your workload.” This response acknowledges their experience without offering immediate solutions, allowing them to feel heard and respected before moving forward.
Scenario: Imagine you’re a team lead at a public health department, working with a social worker who’s struggling with the emotional demands of a challenging case. Instead of immediately offering solutions, you actively listen, acknowledging their experience by saying, “It sounds like this case is weighing on you heavily. Can you walk me through what’s been most difficult?” This approach lets them voice their concerns, and with gentle guidance, they may discover their own strategies for managing the case.
2. Empathy and Perspective-Taking
Empathy is essential for connecting with others, but leaders must make an effort to see a range of perspectives. Not only does this strengthen relationships, but it also highlights areas of growth and uncovers blind spots in your own perspective. A strong leader knows how to empathize with a front-line worker with the same curiosity and respect as with an assistant director, customer, or other stakeholders.
Why It’s Important: The more perspective-taking you do, the wiser and more tactful you’ll become in solving problems and boosting team morale. Diverse perspectives allow you to make more informed decisions and foster a culture of understanding and respect.
C.A.P.E. Tip: Next time a team member or stakeholder presents a challenge, listen with curiosity and ask, “What is their experience showing me about our organization?” Practicing empathy consistently opens doors to both personal growth and stronger leadership. Remember, initiating empathy often starts with the leader. If others aren’t demonstrating empathy, it’s up to you to take the first step and set the tone. It takes two to tango, but one to take the lead—by embodying empathy, you inspire others to adopt it as a core part of your team’s culture.
Scenario: You’re supervising a team of public service employees, and a front-line worker expresses frustration over a policy change. Instead of dismissing their concerns, you empathize by asking, “How has this policy impacted your day-to-day work?” They share that the change has increased their workload significantly. Through this understanding, you not only build rapport but also gain insights that inform your decision-making with upper management on policy adjustments.
3. Growing Future Leaders
True leadership is about investing in others so they’re prepared to lead when their time comes. In the end, legacy is all we have. Most likely, you’ll move on from your current role one day, and much of your impact will be felt after you leave. Who fills your role? What happens to the culture you cultivated? Was the person you coached ready to take the reins? Few things are as rewarding as seeing someone reach their potential and knowing you had a small role in the process.
Why It’s Important: Focusing on developing others’ potential ensures continuity and resilience within your team or organization. Your efforts to coach, guide, and uplift others are an investment in a lasting legacy of leadership.
C.A.P.E. Tip: Schedule regular check-ins with those you’re mentoring to discuss goals, offer feedback, and help them build their own leadership toolkit. By growing future leaders, you’re leaving a mark that extends beyond your tenure and sets others up for success.
Scenario: As a manager in a government services office, you identify a promising team member and begin setting aside time each week to discuss their career goals and offer feedback. Over time, they take on more responsibilities and gain confidence in their abilities. When a supervisory position opens up, they’re ready to step in because of the skills and perspective you helped them build, continuing the culture you cultivated even after you move on.
Ready to Strengthen Your Leadership Skills?
These three skills—active listening, empathy, and growing future leaders—are essential for building a strong, connected, and resilient team. As you put these into practice, you’ll witness the incredible impact of a C.A.P.E. that’s not about you but about lifting others to become leaders in their own right.
Want more insights on team building, leadership development, and personalized coaching inspired by C.A.P.E. principles? Contact Curtis at Curtis@Speak4MC.com to learn more and start your journey to becoming the leader others aspire to follow.
Disclaimer
Statements in this blog reflect the author's personal opinions and do not represent any other person, company, or organization. This blog aims to provide general knowledge and raise awareness of tools, techniques, people, and organizations that bring about positive change. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct independent research on the topics discussed.