As we mature, leader development is based more on what criteria?

As leaders mature, the focus of leader development increasingly shifts to the performance of their teams. This transition is grounded in the understanding that effective leadership is not solely about the individual’s personal abilities or performance metrics. Instead, a mature leader’s impact is often best measured by how well their teams perform and achieve their goals.

The rationale behind this emphasis on team performance is that effective leaders foster an environment that enables their teams to excel. They cultivate teamwork, promote collaboration, and create a culture that leverages the collective skills of team members. This perspective aligns with the broader organizational goals and success, as leaders who prioritize their team's performance contribute to the overall effectiveness of the organization. Therefore, the development of leaders ultimately becomes about their ability to inspire and drive their teams towards success, highlighting the interconnected nature of leadership dynamics and team outcomes.

Other considerations, such as individual performance and skill, connections with other leaders, and organizational success, are certainly important in the development of a leader; however, they do not capture the essence of mature leadership as fully as the emphasis on team performance does. Mature leaders recognize that their effectiveness is ultimately reflected in how well their teams thrive and accomplish their tasks.