"أبدأ بالمبدأ القائل بأن وظيفة القيادة هي إنتاج المزيد من القادة، لا المزيد من الأتباع."

Leadership isn't just about guiding people. It's about empowering them to guide others. When someone steps into a leadership role, their main goal should be to nurture and develop future leaders. This idea flips the common notion of leadership on its head. Instead of focusing on creating a group of loyal followers, a true leader aims to foster independence and growth in their team.

Think about the workplace during the early 20th century. Many companies operated on a strictly hierarchical system where the boss dictated orders, and the employees followed without question. This model created a workforce of followers who rarely had the opportunity to voice their ideas or take on leadership roles themselves. Over time, however, it became clear that this approach stunted innovation and employee satisfaction. Leaders who foster an environment where people can develop their skills, take initiative, and eventually lead themselves create more dynamic and resilient teams.

Let's dive into a real-life example: imagine a tech startup. The CEO, Sarah, doesn't just want her team to execute her vision. She wants to create an environment where each member can grow into a leader. She encourages them to take ownership of their projects, make decisions, and even mentor newer employees. One day, a junior developer, Alex, presents an idea for a new feature. Instead of just giving Alex the green light, Sarah asks him to lead a small team to develop this feature. She provides support and guidance but lets Alex make the key decisions. Over time, Alex gains confidence, hones his leadership skills, and eventually moves into a senior role where he continues the cycle of nurturing new leaders.

So how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by recognizing the potential in those around you. Give people opportunities to step up, even if it's in small ways at first. Trust them with responsibilities and provide the support they need to succeed. Encourage them to think creatively, make decisions, and learn from their mistakes. By doing this, you’re not just managing a team; you’re cultivating a culture of growth and innovation.

Imagine you're a soccer coach. Instead of just focusing on winning the next game, you take the time to train your players to understand the game deeply, to make strategic decisions on the field, and to support each other. You rotate the captain's armband so each player can experience leading the team. Over time, your players become more confident and capable, and any one of them could lead the team to victory. And isn’t that more rewarding than just having a team of players who only follow your commands?

This approach to leadership isn’t just about immediate outcomes; it’s about long-term growth and success. By producing more leaders, you create a ripple effect that extends beyond your direct influence. You’re building a legacy of empowerment and resilience that can adapt to new challenges and opportunities. So next time you find yourself in a leadership position, remember: your greatest achievement won’t be how many followers you have, but how many leaders you inspire.