The Power of a Champion: How Leaders Unlock Potential and Drive Growth
The deadline loomed. The team was stretched. A less experienced team member stepped up to lead the project.
The manager thought about it—for a second.
“It’s not that I don’t appreciate your offer to help...” said the manager to the employee, “...but let’s give this project to a colleague who already has experience with the client.”
It’s easy to see this decision from the manager’s perspective. With tight deadlines and high expectations, leaders often default to assigning work to those with proven experience. But what if that team member just needed a champion? Someone to recognize their potential, remove obstacles, and advocate for their opportunity to grow?
Why Championing Matters: The Key to Growth and Engagement
Leaders often wonder how to cultivate an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to take initiative. The answer lies in championing—actively advocating for people, opportunities, and ideas that contribute to meaningful progress.
According to recent findings at Gallup, U.S. employee engagement has declined to its lowest level in over a decade, with only 32% of employees feeling engaged in their work. So how can organizations motivate their people? According to the Global Resource Report, employees who feel supported by their leaders are 70% more likely to be engaged.
Championing isn’t just about fairness—it’s a business imperative. Engaged employees drive innovation, retained talent strengthens organizations, and trust fuels collaboration.
Championing in Action: Four Essential Strategies
Amplify Voices and Advocate for Potential
Great leaders recognize and elevate talent that might otherwise go unnoticed. Championing means ensuring that individuals and ideas receive the attention they deserve, particularly when systemic barriers or personal challenges stand in the way. Leaders who advocate effectively:
Recognize emerging talent and provide growth opportunities.
Speak up for individuals in decision-making spaces.
Push for fair access to resources and leadership pathways.
Notably, 83% of organizations aim to develop leaders at every level to encourage innovation and resiliency, highlighting the critical role of leadership in fostering a supportive work environment (Marketing Scoop: The Critical Importance of Leadership: 15 Statistics for 2025).
2. Remove Barriers and Open Doors for Success
Championing isn’t just about recognizing challenges—it’s about taking action to eliminate them. Leaders who champion others:
Identify and dismantle obstacles preventing professional growth.
Secure necessary resources to help teams thrive.
Actively create opportunities for employees to lead and develop skills.
3. Speak with Purpose: Courageous Conversations Matter
Being a champion requires courage and conviction. It means stepping forward to challenge biases, disrupt ineffective norms, and advocate for change—even when it’s uncomfortable. Leaders who excel in this area:
Use clear, persuasive communication to amplify individuals and initiatives.
Address resistance with a solution-oriented mindset.
Align advocacy with organizational goals to ensure meaningful impact.
4. Foster a Culture of Support and Collective Success
Championing isn’t a one-time effort; it’s about shaping a workplace where advocacy and empowerment are the norm. Leaders who embrace this mindset:
Create feedback-rich environments that encourage growth.
Normalize mentorship and peer support.
Inspire others to take on the role of champion within their own teams.
Overcoming Challenges: What Holds Leaders Back?
Championing isn’t always easy. Leaders may face:
Fear of Pushback – Advocating for change can challenge the status quo, but resilience and strategic communication can help navigate resistance.
Competing Priorities – Balancing advocacy with other leadership responsibilities requires prioritization and clear alignment with business goals.
Knowing When to Step Back – Championing is about elevating others, not speaking for them. Effective leaders recognize when to lead and when to create space for others to step forward.
Looking Ahead
Championing isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and long-term retention. Leaders who consistently champion others cultivate workplaces where talent flourishes, trust deepens, and engagement thrives. By making championing an intentional part of leadership, organizations strengthen their teams and prepare for the evolving challenges of the workplace.
So, should the manager have given the project to the less experienced team member? It’s never that simple. What’s clear, however, is that fostering a culture of championing begins with leaders recognizing and advocating for the potential in their team members. The ability to support growth, provide opportunities, and remove obstacles is crucial—not just for individual development but for building dynamic, innovative teams.
By embedding championing into leadership practices, organizations equip themselves for the future with stronger, more connected teams.
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