Leadership is often defined simply: someone is following. No followers, no leadership. At its core, leadership is about influence, but its true function is not to gather followers; it’s to create more leaders.

We see this clearly in sports, where it’s called the “bench.” These are the players not yet on the field, still developing, still learning, preparing for the moment they will take the starting position. As leaders, one of our primary responsibilities is to cultivate the bench, the future leaders waiting for their opportunity.

As the saying goes, “There is no success without a successor.” A leader’s effectiveness can often be measured by how well they are developing others to lead.

Mentoring is one of the most powerful ways to transfer critical skills and knowledge. Yes, it requires time—and we all know time is precious—but investing in someone with high potential is always worthwhile. The return on that investment isn’t just measured in results, but in the deep satisfaction of knowing you made a difference. Few rewards are greater for a leader.

Take a moment to reflect: there’s likely someone in your sphere of influence who could be your next #2. Someone whose growth and success could be a direct result of your guidance.

Who is succeeding because of you?