Training for the leaders in your organization is a key concept if you plan on having a successful business. Many organizations believe that a training course is all you need to get your leaders ready to perform; however, there is much more to it than just a training class full of ice breakers and best practices. The training process is in-house and will take time.
Formal Training
The first step in leadership development is to have formal training in place. This training should be hosted by someone outside of the organization that brings in a wealth of knowledge for others to absorb. The training should be focused on aspects of your particular business and should be individually tailored to the company dynamics. This training should involve all upper management and should be interactive in nature to keep interest levels high.
Developmental Job Assignments
After formal training, there are trial job assignments that can be used to develop newly acquired skills. These job assignments involve using skills that the leader is not used to and showing how they can stretch and grow to meet the demands of the new assignment. Creating new tasks that push leaders out of their comfort zones are the way to develop rounded individuals that can accomplish anything thrown at them in the workplace.
Feedback
There must be room for feedback from all levels, including subordinates, peers, and leaders. The importance of feedback is imperative for any business leader to truly grow. The leader must be willing to accept critiques, including criticism, if they are going to truly be effective in their new roles. Most feedback identifies weakness and strengths on business tactics. There should be direct line supervisors providing feedback to their subordinates and there should also be subordinates providing feedback on their leaders. This gives a true 360 degrees of feedback and also provides employees with a voice in how the company is ran and what methods are most effective.
Coaching
To coach leaders, you need to have them partnered with mentors. These mentors should have an investment in the leaders and be willing to devote time and resources into their development. There should be reachable goals laid out that the leader should be able to achieve over time. Reaching these goals will be helpful in providing individual growth in leaders that will in turn help the business grow.
Self-Paced Learning
There are also small development courses that can be selected through an organization or even online. These courses should be selected by the leader and should be self-paced. Most leaders know what they can improve upon in the business world. It may be that they are looking into self-improvement when it comes to listening to others input or it may be, they need help with public speaking. Others may need help in creating clear and concise directions for their staff. Whatever the lessons may be, the leader should select and work on brushing up on skills on their own.
