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Imagine a team that is falling behind, deadlines are missed, creativity is low, and everyone seems unmotivated. The leader is frustrated and assumes the team is not good enough.

Then something changes. The leader takes a different approach by focusing on helping each person grow. By teaching, guiding and nurturing individual strengths, the team starts to shine. Goals are not only met but exceeded.

What made the difference? The key here is that the leader prioritized developing people. This simple shift reveals a powerful truth: when you invest in people, you create success that lasts.

Developing people goes far beyond holding training sessions. It is about helping each member grow in every way — learning new things, improving thinking, and building stronger relationships.

Great leaders take the time to understand each person’s unique strengths and areas for improvement. They do not stop there, they also provide the right tools, clear guidance, and encouragement needed for progress. This approach creates a team of motivated, engaged and loyal individuals.

When people feel supported, they take ownership of their work, think creatively, and contribute in meaningful ways. Empowering people is an investment in long-term success, transforming teams into communities marked by trust and collaboration.

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing how leaders can support and develop their teams. AI trains algorithms to recommend personalized intervention based on an individual’s job role, skill gaps, and career aspirations. These platforms analyze user activity, identify areas for improvement, and suggest relevant and tailored learning paths.

AI-powered performance-management tools can help leaders track employee progress, and provide insights that would otherwise take years to uncover. For instance, these tools might flag consistent strengths, like collaboration skills or attention to detail, or highlight areas where additional training or support is needed.

When people feel supported, they take ownership of their work, think creatively, and contribute in meaningful ways. Empowering people is an investment in long-term success.

Some advanced AI platforms go further by analyzing vast amounts of workforce data to uncover hidden talents within a team. By examining work patterns, contributions, and even learning styles, these platforms can identify employees who may have untapped potential in areas beyond their current roles.

For example, a leader might discover through AI insights that a team member with excellent analytical skills could excel in a data-driven role, opening doors to career opportunities that benefit both the individual and the organization.

While AI is a powerful enabler, it is very important to remember that it is a tool and not a substitute for genuine leadership. Empathy, trust and human connection remain at the heart of effective people development. AI can offer data-driven insights, but it is the leader’s personal touch that truly inspires people to grow.

Some leaders may hesitate to embrace development initiatives, seeing them as time-consuming or uncertain. Similarly, employees might resist change, fearing failure or feeling undervalued. A great leader addresses these concerns by fostering open dialogue and demonstrating how growth benefits both individuals and the organization. Encouraging buy-in and showcasing small successes can turn resistance into enthusiasm.

Investing in people’s development has a ripple effect on organizations. Supported individuals perform at their best, take initiative, approach problems creatively, and push themselves to achieve higher results.

Development also fosters loyalty. Employees who see that their leaders care about their growth are more likely to stay with the organization, reducing turnover and fostering a strong, committed team.

Moreover, growth sparks innovation. When people are encouraged to learn and improve, they become more curious and open to new ideas. This creativity often leads to breakthroughs, whether it is a new way to solve a problem, a process improvement, or a game-changing idea that drives the organization forward.

As a leader, your role is to create an environment where growth is woven into the team’s DNA. This means being intentional about helping people unlock their potential. While tools like AI can assist in the process, they must be paired with a leader’s genuine care and effort. A leader who listens, understands, and provides encouragement is the one who truly makes a difference.

Investing in people is about helping individuals become the best versions of themselves. Combining the human touch with the power of AI opens up limitless opportunities for growth. Developing people is a mission that defines great leadership and paves the way for lasting success.

• Firas Abussaud is a petroleum engineering systems specialist with more than 22 years of experience in the industry.

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