When people are moved into leadership roles, they’re often expected to take charge and handle whatever comes up with no training or guidance. Few people are born leaders; most require training and support to cultivate their leadership potential. Corporate leadership programs can provide the needed instruction and guidance for those new to leadership positions as well as those currently functioning as leaders. What can your staff learn from corporate leadership programs?
Learn and Practice Leadership Skills
A wide variety of skills is required to be an effective leader. Leaders need to plan strategies and provide direction to their team. At times, leaders need to provide inspiration and encouragement while other times they may need to provide feedback to team members whose work needs improvement.
In corporate leadership programs, participants can learn to understand what’s required to develop these skills. Training programs go beyond providing an understanding of theory. They allow participants to practice skills in a collaborative setting. Hands-on experience provided in this type of training is more likely to be remembered by participants than by reading about leadership or listening to lectures.
Give and Receive Feedback
Part of being in a leadership role is being prepared to give constructive feedback to others. The goal of constructive feedback is to encourage and improve performance. Given the wrong way, feedback can have the opposite effect and demotivate others.
In corporate leadership programs, training and skills workshops often include both giving and receiving feedback. Participants can receive valuable feedback from both peers and trainers. Brainstorming possible solutions to challenging situations can stimulate discussion and exchange of ideas from other leaders. This can help participants overcome the discomfort associated with giving and receiving feedback.
Improve Communication Skills
Good communication skills are at the heart of leadership. Corporate leadership training programs include sections on improving communication skills which pertain to both how the things participants say affect others and on developing active listening skills.
Effective leaders know when it’s time to do the talking and when it’s time to encourage the opinions and thoughts of others. Corporate leadership training gives participants a chance to work on communicating clearly while speaking in a way that empowers others and builds trust..
Communication skills also involve awareness of body language, which can be a valuable part of leadership skills training. The way leaders carry themselves sends nonverbal clues to others. Examples include making eye contact to show interest and attention and avoiding folded arms and clenched fists.
Who Can Benefit From Corporate Leadership Training?
The first people who come to mind when leadership training is brought up are those who have moved into management roles. There’s no doubt that new and inexperienced managers can benefit from leadership and management training, but those on other career paths may also find value in this type of program, particularly committed professionals who are specialists in their department.
Completing leadership training boosts self-confidence and faith in one’s own ability to function as a trusted and respected leader. It can stimulate new ways of thinking and help lay the groundwork for a successful career.
Continuing Corporate Leadership Training
Being an effective leader requires continual learning. As new people and new situations are presented over time, additional training can be beneficial. Role-playing with peers and interactive training workshops led by an expert in corporate communications can provide fresh perspectives and help to keep leadership skills sharp.
Strong leaders are the backbone of strong organizations, and ongoing training can help your organization attract, develop and retain talent. Get in touch to find out more about membership in People Leaders Club.