Leadership development programs in companies often fail for reasons that are relatively easy to predict. CLOmedia.com pointed out to this fact and summarized the following ten most common causes of leadership development programs failures.
1. Lack of support from top
Any strategic leadership development effort requires support from those in the positions of top management. They need to enter the programs, not only, at the preparation stage, but also continue to work with future program management.
2. Bad identification of needs
The leadership development must be based on identification of your business needs. Always ask in what areas do you need leadership.
3. Poor choice of people
You know that your resources for leadership development are limited. So choose candidates who can best understand your organizational strategy and have the skill to further promote that strategy.
4. Assumption that leaders can automatically train new leaders
Developing leadership by letting leaders teach other leaders is a good idea. However, ensure that the leaders are adaquatey prepared for their role as teachers.
5. No plan of implementation
Do not get carried away by initial successes. Carefully plan each step of the program so that you can achieve the expected results long term.
6. Bad choice of facilitators
Carefully chooses specific development activities for your program needs with consultants or facilitators with experience in your industry and who will fit into your corporate culture.
7. Poor choice of learning environment
The place your leaders will be learning should be inspirational and calm. It should be located away from the hustle and bustle of everyday work, be sufficiently spacious and comfortable, and be lit by natural light.
8. Too much theory
Leadership development programs should focus primarily on the practical application of leadership skills.
9. Underestimation of breaks
The right learning environment should also include breaks to re-energize. Leaders should schedule the learning time with exercise and healthy snacks.
10. No time for reflection
When creating your development program, you will tend to include as much content and many activities as possible. You should, however, not forget to schedule some time for the participants to think about and try the lessons learned in practical situations.
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