Enterprises are learning that leadership matters much more than they thought.
Sensibly, more investment is being made in leadership development.
Here are the seven things buyers of leadership development programs need to know before they buy:
- Context – that the program is deeply contextualised to their business – full of story, culture, challenges and expertise – and clarity about what they really need.
- Attitudinal Competence – this is beyond the idea of emotional intelligence. It is the ability to adopt and adapt one’s best attitude for the past present and future and not be stuck with habitual attitudes.
- Reflection – reflection skills are where leaders really earn their keep and if not developed then talent and action is wasted.
- Practical leadership skills – not just generic theory. How to deal effectively with unacceptable behaviour and performance and still maintain trust and respect is a key component.
- Contagion – the program must empower participants to share the learning.
- Measurement - the program sets realistic desirable goals that can be measured in the workplace, to verify both the value of the development and the return on investment to the business.
- Accountability – the program must be held accountable for targeted results.
Don’t buy unless you are satisfied that all these conditions are agreed and achievable from the program.
What do you think?
