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12 June 2012

Details To Understand Regarding Leadership Development

By Dr. Cheryll Keyes


Leadership development is classified as the many processes applied to improve leadership qualities. This may be implemented by an organization or individual. The processes will vary based on several factors.

Conventional programs were centered on the development of leader qualities in individuals, even though not every person carries the natural ability to do so. Nevertheless, there are numerous characteristics that may be present in a person that help or hinder their effectiveness in regards to leading. Processes of this kind are used to help people improve and take charge.

Nearly anyone can be an effective leader, but it takes work. Persistence, practice and focus are essential in order for one to fully develop as a leader. The process is similar to learning to play an instrument. There is literature on this topic and training courses that can be taken that offer aid and insights. But, the most important keys to success relate to the nature of a program, traits of the learner and the support received from supervisors.

Personal traits of the learner have also been associated with the level of success that is attainable. Learners should be motivated and driven, and open to the entire experience. They must also have internal control and be able to practice self-monitoring. The nature of a program is also imperative. It should, over time, mix in varying experiences, such as journaling, coaching, mentoring, coursework, feedback and other programs. In order for this development to occur, the needs and goals of the individual should be determined in the beginning and monitored throughout the program.

Three main components in the process: self-efficacy, experiential learning and visioning. Successful programs give individuals skills to be used in various roles and environments ranging from youth to corporate. Examples of these beneficial skills: taking responsibility and action, making goals and having a life purpose, and finding focus.

In recent times, organizations have discovered another way to improve capacity to lead: bettering connections between individual leaders. This acknowledgement led to the separation between the terms leadership and leader development. The former is focused on improvement of leadership by introduction of social influence, interpersonal relationships, team dynamics and more. In contrast, the latter is concerned with improvement of behaviors, thought processes and personal characteristics of a leader.

Leadership development is considered an essential program in term of assisting organizations and individuals with becoming better leaders. The effectiveness of the process is relative to an assortment of factors, including the learner, program and supervisor. The main objective is to provide individuals with skills necessary to be leaders in a range of situations and environments.




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