How to Build a Leadership Development Program for Success

Creating an effective leadership development program is essential for companies that want to grow and retain top talent. Good people want to work for top employers who invest in leadership programs that prepare their talent for the future of work and lead to strong employee engagement. This guide will show you the steps, skills, and strategies to build an effective program.

What is a Leadership Development Program?

A leadership development program is a structured plan to help employees build essential skills for leadership. It aligns the strategy of the organization with employees’ growth goals, helping companies develop leaders from within. For a tailored approach, see Kirke Leadership’s Executive Coaching and Leadership Programming.

Why Leadership Development Matters

An effective development program offers many benefits:

• Employee Retention: Investing in growth reduces turnover.

• Increased Engagement: Strong leadership improves morale and satisfaction.

• Business Continuity: Building a succession pipeline creates sustainable business planning and smooth transitions.

• Competitive Edge: Skilled leaders drive productivity and innovation.

For additional support, explore Kirke Leadership Programs.

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Core Skills for a Leadership Development Program

To make your program effective, focus on developing these essential skills for the future of work:

1. Self-awareness: Leaders need to understand their leadership style, strengths and opportunities

2. Emotional Intelligence: Building resilience in self and others is key to our future success

3. Leading Change: Good leaders know how to influence to gain adoption and buy-in

4. Effective Communication Skills: Clear and adaptive communication fosters team trust.

5. Creative Problem Solving: Human-centred problem solving that builds creativity and innovation is critical for the future of work

6. Relationship Building: Breaking down silos and building strong connections are essential for success.

7. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: In order to bring out the best in your people, your leaders will need to be aware of their bias and how to become more adaptive.

We work with our clients to put together Leadership Programs at all levels to hit a homerun for you and your organization. We are experts in all of these critical skills across the leadership spectrum.  Contact us.  

Steps to Create an Effective Leadership Development Program

Follow these steps to design a program that meets your organization’s needs:

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1. Set Goals Aligned with Business Needs

Identify your company’s strategic priorities. Define specific objectives for the program that align with these goals.

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2. Define Key Leadership Qualities

Outline the qualities your leaders should have. Include the critical skills your leaders will need to lead into the future.

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3. Identify Leaders at the level you are targeting (Programs might be for emerging leaders, Current leaders, Senior Leaders, or Executives)

Evaluate employees for the program. Look for ambition, adaptability, and a desire to learn. You could use tools like 360-degree feedback to assess each employee’s strengths and opportunities.

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4. Plan the Development Journey

Structure the program using the 70-20-10 model:

• 70% On-the-Job Learning: Real-world assignments.

• 20% Mentoring and Coaching: Guidance from seasoned leaders.

• 10% Structured Training: Classroom or online courses.

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For customized development, explore Kirke Leadership’s Executive Coaching.  

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Best Practices for Implementing Your Leadership Development Program

1. Engage Key Stakeholders: Gain support from company leaders.

2. Equip Managers with Coaching Tools: Managers reinforce skills and provide ongoing support to the Leaders in the program.

3. Balance Consistency and Flexibility: Customize the program as needed for different teams.

4. Brand the Program: Give it a memorable name that reflects company values.

5. Measure Success: Use KPIs like engagement and retention to track the program’s impact.

Measuring the ROI of Your Leadership Development Program

To measure the program’s success, monitor both quantitative and qualitative results. Track metrics like employee engagement, retention, and team performance. Regular feedback will help you refine and improve the program.

Conclusion

An effective leadership development program is a valuable investment for any company. By focusing on essential skills, aligning with business goals, and implementing best practices, you’ll create a foundation for strong leadership and sustained growth. For further support, explore Kirke Leadership Programs and Executive Coaching.

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