Why do leaders develop others?

Leaders develop others primarily to enable individuals within their team to assume greater responsibility and achieve higher levels of expertise. This focus on development aligns with the fundamental principles of effective leadership, which emphasize the importance of empowering team members to grow both personally and professionally. By investing in the development of their subordinates, leaders help cultivate a workforce that is more capable, confident, and skilled, ultimately leading to improved performance and success for the entire organization.

Investing in the growth of others fosters an environment where team members can take on challenging roles and responsibilities, contributing to their self-efficacy and job satisfaction. This approach not only assists in succession planning—ensuring that skilled individuals are prepared to step into key roles as needed—but also enhances overall team dynamics and morale.

In contrast, focusing on personal goals, avoiding conflict, or maintaining control over subordinates does not align with the core mission of leadership development. Effective leaders recognize that true success lies in the advancement of their team members, which in turn benefits the organization as a whole.