I recently posted a poll, with the introductory statement that leadership skills are important and the question, “When should leadership training begin? “
I voiced my opinion that it is almost too late if it occurs after an employee has assumed a leadership role in an organization.
Respondents were given four choices:
- elementary school,
- high school,
- college, and
- in the workforce.
When Should Leadership Training Begin?
Fifty-five percent said elementary school.
Michael D. Brewster, M.B.A., M.A. explained his response:
“Every experience and lesson learned shapes your personality, listening skills, teamwork, decision making and leadership style. The earlier training starts, the better.”
Michael is a Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, and Workforce Development Leader. He is clearly in a position to know what today’s workforce leadership needs are.
I agree with Michael.
So do organizations and schools.
Think about the many organizations that children can participate in, such as the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts, the Boys Clubs and the Girls Clubs.
Also the student councils, clubs, and sports teams in the schools.
In their own way, they each develop leaders, beginning with elementary age children.
An Ongoing Development
James Lord, who automates references at Refapp.com to scale HR Tech worldwide, responded,
“I think it should be an ongoing development.”
I also agree with James.
Experiences at the elementary level can provide a sound foundation that each new leadership learning experience can build on as the children mature.
This includes leadership lessons and opportunities in:
- high school (selected by 27%),
- college (selected by 9%), and
- the workforce (selected by 9%).
Regardless of how they voted, it is clear that all agree that leadership training is important.
Leaders Occur at Every Level
Leaders occur at every level in the workforce, even though they may not be formally recognized as a leader.
For this reason, many organizations offer leadership development certificate training programs.
They share best practices and build leadership skills in such areas as:
- communication,
- collaboration,
- coaching,
- motivation,
- delegation,
- teambuilding, and
- presentation skills.
They also ensure that the current and potential leaders understand the organizational culture and management policies and procedures, to maintain consistency and quality standards.
If they had the benefit of this training, it would definitely reduce the current statistic that 60% of new managers fail in the first two years!
Leadership Training is Important
Leadership and leadership styles and strategies continually evolve.
So, whether a leader is new or experienced, learning should be a continuous process.
It can occur in many forms on the job, in a class, or in non-job-related activities.
Leadership training is important.
If you agree, book time for a 30-minute strategy session to discuss what leadership development could look like in your organization: http://bit.ly/44yLO5l.
May your learning be sweet,
Deborah
