Have you ever tried to run a charity 5K?

It’s a perfect example of the concept of capacity building.

If you don’t prepare yourself for the run at all, thinking, “Oh, it’s not like it’s a marathon. I can run a couple of miles,” you’re probably going to end up panting and out of breath by one mile in.

On the other hand, if you prepare by walking regularly, adding in a little running, then a little more, and then mostly running, by the time you get to the 5K, running the whole thing will be smooth sailing. You’ve built up your capacity for running.

Capacity building in a professional sense is identifying areas of growth – in yourself or in others – and creating opportunities to practice new skills and improve both capability and confidence. It’s an important part of leadership with a servant’s mindset.

Building capacity among your team members gives your company an advantage. It develops the best people to take on more responsibility and allows them room to innovate and improve. Companies like Enterprise Rent A Car and Nordstrom have built a reputation around their capacity-building programs, which promote from within, and because of that, they snag the best and brightest talent in their industries. You can do the same, even if you operate a small business.

First, let’s break down the different types of capacity that are important to develop in yourself and your team.

Intellectual capacity – This is your curiosity, your know-how, and your ability to plan. You develop this by continuing to learn, whether it’s by reading, taking action, or working with a trusted mentor or coach.

Character capacity – This is who you are at your core – your spiritual beliefs, your core values, your integrity, and your courage. You develop this by working according to your values and remaining in touch with what’s most important to you like family, faith, and friends.

Emotional capacity – This is how we respond to others, how we develop relationships, and how we use the skills of Emotional Intelligence. You develop this by honing your communication skills and remembering the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated.

Leadership capacity – This is unlocking the productivity and capability of others. This is what we’re going to focus on building with these 4 ways to build the capacity of your team members:

• Don’t do what they’re capable of doing themselves. If you want your child to make their bed when they go to college, you wouldn’t make their bed for them while they’re still living under your roof. The same goes for your team. When people make mistakes or need to navigate a tough situation, hold yourself back from stepping in and solving the problem for them. If you have confidence in their abilities, let them step up to the challenge. That will give them greater capacity for problem solving in the future.

• Be honest. Sometimes it seems like the prudent or kind thing to do is to tell a white lie or omit the truth when you’re communicating with team members. You might think you’re saving them from stress or preserving the harmony of the group. But the truth is, you’re only borrowing trouble. Honesty is the foundation of any healthy relationship, and by being honest, you’re building trust, authority, and capacity. Share what you can with discretion, humility, and honesty.

• Give them what they need. Investing in the growth of your organizational capacity can mean putting more time, money, or attention into your staff when they need it. If team members ask for training, leadership opportunities, or additional assistance, offer them as much as you can. Your investment will be returned tenfold as they build capacity. And the same goes for team members who need more autonomy, which can be the hardest thing for leaders to provide.

• Lead by example. Building your own capacity is important for modeling the behavior you want from team members, as well as for your self growth. Take a training course. Learn to use a new technology. Read professional development books. Join a mastermind. Or take part in new networking activities. And encourage your team members to do the same.

Have you considered joining a mastermind group? It can be one of the most effective ways for business leaders to generate ideas, put them into action, and create the change they want in their organizations and their careers. That’s why members of our Celeste Giordano Coaching Mastermind Group report that they raise their revenue while enjoying a better quality of life. If you’d like to join the elite group of business owners and professionals in our Mastermind, contact me today.

Celeste Giordano’s mission is to help business owners develop the skills, knowledge and attitude necessary to “DoublePlus^TM” their income and become effective and inspirational leaders in their fields. Whether it’s taking your successful business to the next level or starting a new venture, she will teach you the exact skills and strategies you need to enroll more quality prospects, build a rock-solid team, and break through obstacles to achieve real profit and lasting success. Celeste is a professional business growth specialist, a master sales strategist, and dynamic speaker with 40 years experience in direct sales and managing high-performing teams.

To learn more about Celeste, click here.

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At Celeste Giordano Coaching, I work with each client to implement the strategies they’ve been missing that will enable them to break through barriers preventing them from the success they know they are capable of. Contact me today to find your future clients who just don’t know what they’re missing.