While individuals have a wide variety of reasons for keeping awake at night, a report by Europe’s largest Chartered HR and development professional body: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), titled HR Outlook: A variety of leader perspectives, found that leadership development is what keep about 49% of both leaders and HR department heads awake at night.
It should not come as a surprise, given the increasing complexity and rapid change we see in the world today, coupled with the globalization and shifting geopolitical forces that change the boundaries of organizational collaboration and competition. Developing and growing effective leadership is needed today more than ever.
There is an emerging leadership talent crisis where the need and demand for leadership surpass our ability to develop effective leadership talent. This is due in part to the great numbers of baby boomers retiring or getting ready to retire in the next 10 years. It is also fueled by financial constrains which have leaders focusing on what needs to be in place now, in a time of belt-tightening and frugality. Yet, it's imperative to also focus on the leaders that the organization will need to face future scenarios.
In the past many leadership development programs have gotten a bad reputation because of their narrow focus and “one kind fits all” attitude. The reality is that every organization has different needs. And every leader has specific gaps in their abilities.
There is a better alternative to losing sleep over leadership development though: start taking action to develop your leaders. The best place to start is by asking yourself and your team some serious questions, like:
- Is the organization's need for improved collaboration and communication skills been met?
- Have I taken time to identify future leaders within our ranks?
- What kind of leadership program is right for my business?
- What do we want our future leaders to accomplish?
- What are the skills and values we want to see in our leaders?
- Where could I go to get leaders with the required industry specific knowledge to understand our business?
Remember. . .
The greatest resource you have is your people. By identifying future leaders within your ranks and developing them, you are ensuring the future of your organization. It can also boost morale, creativity, and spark the transfer of knowledge and good ideas.
I can help you find the best path for leadership development. To find out more, simply click here.
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