An essential role of top-level leadership is building leadership capacity across all tiers of your organization. The CEO of a company must have the capacity to be a leader and develop a pipeline of leaders down the chain of command. From senior executives to front-line managers, leadership development is an intense process.

Suppose one of your top-level executives decided to pursue another path. How prepared are you to replace them? Would it be a frantic search, or is a strong team member ready to step into the role? 

Nurturing leadership capacity at all levels of the organization ensures that gaps are minimized. Strategic planning can involve looking into the future and envisioning your desired leadership traits. Using that blueprint, develop future leaders by offering training, education, mentoring, and coaching opportunities. Check in often to see where leaders shine and where they can improve. Consider hiring new people for a fresh perspective in those areas where there is a lack of capacity.

Over time, build a culture that supports engagement. Show that you are willing to invest in people, and leaders will shine.