From Model to Multiplier: A 5-Step Super Simple and Practical Guide to Create Leaders for Life

We’ve all heard it, and it’s the truest principle of leadership: "People do what people see." As a leader, you are setting the pace. Your team, your family, or your volunteers will only ever go as far as you do. You cannot expect others to grow if you aren't growing and showing them the way. 🕺

Leadership isn't a theory; it's a hands-on apprenticeship. If you want to develop leaders for life—at work, in your community, or at home—you don't need a complex manual. You need to follow this simple, 5-step process of gradual empowerment. 🔥

Let's see it in action. Imagine you are a senior manager, Priya, training a new team member, Rohan, to handle a major client presentation.

Step 1: I do it. (I Model) First, you show what excellence looks like. You don't just tell Rohan; you show him.

Example: Priya handles the entire client presentation herself. Rohan is in the room, watching. He sees her preparation, her confidence, and how she skillfully answers tough questions. He sees the standard. 😇

Step 2: I do it, and you are with me. (I Mentor) This is the "behind-the-scenes" pass. You do the task again, but this time you bring them into your thought process.

Example: Before the next presentation, Priya meets with Rohan. "This time, watch why I'm doing what I do. I'll share this specific data point to build trust, and I'll save this anecdote for the end. Let's practice the opening together." 🤝

Step 3: You do it, and I am with you. (I Monitor) It's their turn to take the wheel, but you're in the passenger seat. This is the crucial step of "safe failure."

Example: Priya says, "Rohan, you're leading the presentation this time. I'll be right beside you." Rohan presents, and when the client asks a tricky technical question he can't answer, Priya steps in to support. They are a team. 📢

Step 4: You do it. (You Move Forward) The training wheels come off. You must empower them by trusting them with full responsibility.

Example: Priya tells Rohan, "The next client presentation is all yours. You've got this. I'll review the slides, but I won't be in the meeting. Let me know how it goes." Rohan is now the leader. 🎤

Step 5: You do it, and someone is with you. (We Multiply) This is the ultimate goal. Your new leader now starts the process over with someone else.

Example: A new trainee, Neha, joins the team. Priya goes to Rohan and says, "Rohan, you're the expert on these presentations now. I'd like you to train Neha. Just follow the same process we did." 🪜

You haven't just trained a follower. You've created a leader who can now multiply, creating more leaders. That is how you build a legacy. 🎉

SkillUVA is committed to your personal development and wants you to become a better leader. If you are passionate about training or leadership, here is the Leadership Training Case Studies Pack for you to use in your next leadership meeting or training. 📣