In the fast world of business, leaders are constantly looking for fresh talent to drive their organizations forward. Last Tuesday I wrote about hiring people outside their companies and that is perfectly okay when there is no other choice. However, when some extra, often challenging but interesting task comes up, leaders frequently overlook the wealth of potential within their own teams – the human resources that already exist.
Why do leaders hesitate to engage their people for some extra work?
- They don’t trust: there’s a tendency to underestimate the wealth of skills within the existing team, leading leaders to favor external people. Leaders may question the abilities of their current team, fearing they may not be up to the task of taking on new challenges.
- They feel threatened: some leaders hesitate to delegate responsibilities to internal talent, concerned it might threaten their own position or control within the organization.
- They think the external choice is safer: in uncertain times, leaders may choose the safety of external hires, believing they pose less risk than investing in his/her people. However, it’s time for a shift in perspective. Engaging with own team not only benefits the organization but also cultivates a culture of trust, loyalty, and empowerment.
Here’s why leaders should make internal talent a priority:
- Cultural alignment: internal hires are already ingrained in the company culture, saving valuable time and resources.
- Efficiency and cost savings: engaging with internal staff in new tasks minimizes recruitment expenses and reduces the time to fill crucial roles.
- Boosting team spirit: recognizing and promoting own people sends a powerful message of appreciation, motivating the entire team and enhancing overall spirit.
- Fostering loyalty: investing in internal talent demonstrates a commitment to employee development, fostering a sense of loyalty and dedication.
Tips for Leaders:
- Trust your team members with responsibilities, allowing them to show their skills and abilities. Let them shine.
- Recognize the contributions of internal talent through public acknowledgment and rewards.
- Ensure fair opportunities and potential, offering constructive feedback and support for growth.
Let us not forget, that leaders hold the key to unlocking the full potential of their organizations by supporting teams. By nurturing a culture of investing in the development of existing team members, organizations can achieve huge growth.
The true power lies within – it’s time to unleash it.
