The best leaders develop their direct reports into people who could replace them — and beyond. Building a 'bench' of strong successors signals your effectiveness as leader, removes you as bottleneck, and creates your own career flexibility.
Why this is countertintuitive
Some leaders fear strong reports threaten their position. The opposite is true. Leaders without strong successors are stuck where they are (no one to replace them). Leaders with strong reports get promoted because their team works without them.
How to develop reports
Stretch assignments. Public credit for their work. Sponsorship in promotion conversations. Specific feedback. Time investment in mentoring.