It’s late in the evening far up in the mountains and rain is pouring down. I’m ten years old and my hand is holding on to my dad’s big, strong hand. Together with my sister we are mountain hiking in Holmedal, Norway, where my grandparents have their summerhouse. It is not the first time we are hiking in bad weather, we are famous for it. I am tired and hungry and my boots are filled with water, yet I feel safe and have a good attitude. I want to sit down and rest, and I’m thinking of being home safe, in my mother’s lap. But to give up is not an option.
I learned from my dad that giving up is not a solution.
The mountain hikes he took me on had great rewards: I felt proud and fulfilled to complete them; I felt safe, because dad always looked after me; when we finally made it home, food tasted like never before.
But the most exciting reward I would be thinking about was my dad’s proud eyes, the warm hugs from my mom, and all the praise I would receive for completing these challenging ventures. I longed for this form of reward so I could feel like a young man instead of a child.
My dad made me feel like a leader. The most important part of leading leaders is to make them feel like leaders. We all strive for the reward of recognition and a job well done. Actors are looking for an Oscar. CEOs are looking for peer reviews of their financials. Politicians are looking for recognition in the polls.
In order to build leaders, create an environment where people can develop, feel safe and be rewarded. This brings out the best in all of us. Here are three keys for leading leaders:
A good father helps, guides and recognizes his son (even if the son only did parts and the father did most of the work). Do the same and you will create great and growing leadership around you.
