Four steps to better leadership.

• Author: Mauldin, Marjorie M.

IN THE 19 YEARS SINCE I OPENED THE DOORS OF EXECUTIVE Forum, I have observed, worked with, and listened to hundreds of business leaders, from executives of Fortune 500 companies to owners of small, local firms and executive managers of nonprofits.

From them, I have learned that developing leaders isn't just something a business owner or top executive does when on the verge of retirement. Leadership development is a task that deserves regular attention. Why? Because having your employees and colleagues feel confident in your presence ensures that they are competent in your absence.

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Your organization, or team unit, will operate more efficiently if employees believe that they are good at their jobs, that their jobs reflect their values, that they are meeting customer needs, and that they are moving toward their own goals.

Setting aside time and thought for four simple activities can yield powerful results.

REGULARLY FOCUS ON YOUR DIRECT REPORTS

One of my clients takes an hour every Friday to think about his direct reports. He chooses several people each week and looks closely at their development goals, the projects they are currently working on, the challenges they have faced, and other details specific to their situations.

By taking time to focus on each of these critical employees, he not only demonstrates his commitment to them, he feels his commitment to their futures. The attention he pays to their careers benefits them as he helps them develop their leadership skills and reach their own career goals.

This leader knows his employees' goals, strengths, and challenges intimately. He is unlikely to be blindsided by a key person leaving as a result of job dissatisfaction because he can head off those crises before they occur.

HOLD MONTHLY MEETINGS WITH DIRECT REPORTS

Don't wait until annual evaluations to discuss employees' progress and difficulties: Meet with them regularly. For these meetings, let your employee set the agenda and avoid discussion of specific tasks or projects. This meeting should really be about that employee. How is she feeling about her skills and abilities? Frustrated? Confident? Terrified? Does she think her career is headed in the right direction?

SPEND TIME IN THE FIELD

Whether your "field" is a hospital, a satellite office, or a factory, take time to talk with the people who keep...