Summary: Effective leadership training enhances organizational performance. It also fosters innovation, and builds resilience in facing challenges; Here’s an exploration of why leadership training is essential.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
I am the head of HR at a company that is growing at warp speed.
However, many of those on the newly formed Executive Team and their direct reports received promotions on technical, not leadership skills.
The CEO stated they will “learn by doing.”
I disagree. I think there needs to be specific training. Firstly about how to communicate effectively, handle conflict elegantly, and be strong and resilient when things go wrong.
For example, last week I had to train staff in “Workplace Active Shooter and Violence Prevention Training.”
Most people do not like to think or talk about it, but it’s important that employees are aware and prepared.
Training programs at work can limit stress and anxiety
What happened was that two employees refused to participate because it heightened their anxiety.
In fact, one long term employee said he would resign rather that participate!
His team leader agreed to cancel their time for the training.
Thus, the CEO agreed; she said they could opt out of participating.
I think leaders need to handle issues rather than go down the avoidance route.
For example, the CEO is a classic example of the avoider pattern. You describe this in your book, “Don’t Bring It to Work.”
I need some advice to help her see what ignoring issues will do as we continue to grow.
Thanks for any help you can give.
Signed,
NOT an Avoider
Avoiders limit the success of team development at work
Dear NOT an Avoider,
Did you know in my pattern list the avoider when trained, becomes an initiator?
That means you and all non-avoiders will start the conversation for new ways rather than hide under the covers.
I waited till I talked with your CEO before responding here.
I found that to be where her fear of requiring someone to participate in the active shooter training came from. Her own discomfort with an uncle murdered in a robbery gets in the way of helping others grow.
Furthermore, as she tells it, her uncle and father co-owned a small yet well-stocked jewelry store in Philadelphia.
Her dad was home with the flu. The uncle and two employees were at work. A young man with a gun demanded they lie on the floor. Then he started to clean out several jewelry cases.
The uncle stayed on the floor, yet began to slowly move to an angle where he could grab the robber.
It was too little too late. He was shot and killed on the spot. The family never recovered from the incident. No one received help with the trauma. To this day, whenever she hears about an active shooter, she recoils and feels like the thirteen-year-old she was at that awful time.
The good news is that if there can be good news from a horrible incident like this, she is now willing to offer good training to her employees. She wants to set up a program to help her staff become more self-aware. They will begin to discuss how patterns from the past show up in the present.
Now, here are the basics for the leadership training at work.
Enhance Organizational Performance
Above all, leadership training is fundamental in boosting overall organizational performance. According to INC Magazine, well-trained leaders can effectively manage teams, make strategic decisions, and drive the company toward achieving its goals.
Training programs help leaders understand the nuances of leadership styles. They also gain skills in communication, and conflict resolution, which are critical in maintaining a productive work environment.
By investing in leadership training, companies ensure that their leaders are equipped to handle the complexities of the modern business landscape. This improves efficiency and productivity.
Foster Innovation and Change
Leadership training plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and embracing change.
Moreover, my organization, Creative Energy Options (CEOinc), emphasizes visionary leadership and adaptive resilience.
Leaders trained to think strategically and adapt to changing circumstances can guide their teams through periods of transition and uncertainty. They are in a position to encourage innovative thinking, allowing organizations to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
By cultivating a culture of continuous learning and curiosity, leadership training helps leaders inspire their teams to explore new ideas and solutions.
Build Resilience and Manage Crises
In today’s interconnected and unpredictable world, navigating crises and building resilience is more important than ever.
CEOinc highlights that leadership training incorporating systems thinking and crisis management can effectively prepare leaders to handle unforeseen challenges.
In addition, training programs should focus on developing emotional intelligence. Communication skills and strategic decision-making enable leaders to maintain stability and guide their teams through difficult times. This resilience helps organizations survive crises and position them to thrive in the aftermath.
Strengthening Team Dynamics and Collaboration
Effective leadership is also about fostering strong team dynamics and collaboration.
Similarly, Harvard Business Review points out that leadership training can enhance leaders’ abilities to build trust. This leads to open communication, and create a cohesive team environment.
Leaders can improve team performance and morale by understanding team development stages and practicing active listening and feedback.
Programs emphasizing inclusivity and diversity strengthen team dynamics, ensuring all members feel valued and heard.
Promote personal and professional growth to win
Leadership training is not just about organizational benefits; it also promotes personal and professional growth for leaders. CEOinc highlights that leadership development programs focusing on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and continuous improvement lead to more effective and fulfilled leaders.
These programs encourage leaders to reflect on their behaviors. They identify areas for improvement and develop skills that are essential for their career progression. As leaders grow personally and professionally, they become more capable of driving their organizations toward success.
Prioritize leadership development for long term success
In conclusion, leadership training is vital for all companies as it enhances organizational performance, fosters innovation, builds resilience, strengthens team dynamics, and promotes personal and professional growth.
Investing in leadership training ensures that organizations are led by capable, adaptive, and visionary leaders who can navigate the complexities of the modern business world.
By prioritizing leadership development, companies can create a sustainable competitive advantage and achieve long-term development.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
PS: The best selling book, “Invisible Stress: It’s NOT What YOU Think,” is a great way to start the conversation at work. There is also an online Stress Mastery companion program to help your staff keep growing.
