Successful companies depend on leaders who know how to build strong teams, efficient processes, and an organizational culture that thrives independently. Contradicting the belief that good leaders are indispensable, the idea of becoming "dispensable" may be the true differentiator to ensure sustainable growth and business scalability.
A Gallup study revealed that 70% of the variation in employee engagement is directly linked to the quality of leadership. Additionally, companies that train their teams to operate autonomously can grow up to 25% faster, according to data from Harvard Business Review. However, achieving this level of self-sufficiency requires more than just good intentions. A consistent effort in people development and process structuring is necessary.
Jhonny Martins, vice-president ofSERAC, a corporate solutions hub specializing in accounting, legal, educational, and technology areas, highlights that delegating responsibilities and developing employees' potential are essential steps to create a company that operates independently of the leader's presence. "A truly effective leader is not the one who centralizes all decisions, but the one who builds a solid foundation for the business to thrive independently. This strengthens not only the team but also the company's ability to face challenges and adapt to changes," he states.
For Jhonny, being a dispensable leader does not mean being irrelevant, but rather being indispensable for the team's and organization's evolution. "By structuring an autonomous team, the leader allows the company to focus on growth and innovation without being tied to daily operations. Leadership that centralizes everything limits the business's potential. Those that share protagonism create a resilient organization ready to grow sustainably," evaluates Jhonny.
At SERAC, the executive states that he seeks to lead by example, applying strategies to foster a work environment that combines efficiency, innovation, and collaboration. "Being an expendable leader is one of the greatest virtues for those who wish to leave a legacy and build a company prepared for the future," he concludes.
Check out some practices suggested by Jhonny Martins that can help any leader to encourage team independence and efficiency:
- Delegating with purpose: It is essential that each delegated task is accompanied by clear objectives, context and autonomy, allowing employees to develop solutions with confidence.
- Structure robust processes: Creating well-defined workflows ensures that the team knows what to do even in the absence of the leader, reducing dependence on immediate decisions.
- Invest in continuous development: “Training employees is the best investment a leader can make. Training, regular feedback and mentoring help to raise the team’s level of competence and self-confidence,” explains Jhonny.
- Recognize and encourage emerging leaders: Identifying talent within the team and promoting internal growth strengthens the organizational culture and creates a more diverse leadership structure.
