Step 1: I model. The process begins with my doing the tasks while the person being trained watches.

When I prepare an equipping meeting, I include the following: Good news. I always start on a positive note.

Make the goals measurable. Your potential leaders will never know when they have achieved their goals if they aren’t measurable.

All the training in the world will provide limited success if you don’t turn your people loose to do the job.

Give encouragement. Whether the person is doing well or poorly, I always give encouragement. I encourage poor performers to do better. I encourage peak performers. I praise milestones. I try to give hope and encouragement when people are experiencing personal issues. Encouragement keeps people going.

“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”

B elieve in them. E ncourage them. S hare with them. T rust them.

But you don’t have to be a remarkable or unusually talented person to mentor others.

The process of building up leaders involves more than just encouragement. It also includes modeling.