by Dan Bobinski

 Just my humble opinion here - a statistical sample of one.  But I’d like to think that coaching and training in management and leadership development for 20 years gives me a platform with a at least a modicum of experience to talk about.

 At issue?  I just rec’d my weekly ASTD Buzz, and one of the topics is “have we learned anything about Leadership Development?”  It caught my eye and I tracked down the article. 

I’d recommend reading Robert J. Kramer’s article from The Conference Board, as he makes some great points.  But stepping onto my small but firmly established platform of experience, I want to address a point or two –

1. Kramer asks “if developing leaders is so important, why are so few organizations good at it?”

GREAT QUESTION!  My answer: The people at the top won’t take the time to really think things through.  The push for results and decisions rushes the process.  Solid, reliable analysis of what’s needed is not complete.  In the rush if arriving at a decision to move on some (or any) aspect of selecting and equpping leaders, key details get brushed aside.  Un-good.  

The result is often more knee-jerk and/or reactionary than those folks would like to admit.  And the ripple-effect answer is “that’s why.”

2.  Kramer asks “Why does a disconnect persist between scholarship and practitioners?”

Another great question!  See answer to question #1.  It works equally well here, too.

The bottom line is this: If you are anywhere near involved in the leadership development aspect of your business, DO NOT RUSH!  Slower on the front nine gives you a much better back nine! 

Take your time and

(a) clarify what you want and need;
(b) identify the best candidates for those leadership roles and responsibilities, and
(c) make sure the training you incorporate is

1) comprehensive,
2) ongoing (aka regular and consistent), and
3) based on a personalized approach with accountabilities built in.

Do those things and you’re head and shoulders above everyone else!

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Filed in Work, Training, Management, Leadership, Workplace, Train the Trainer, Coaching