Leadership is a challenging yet vital role in any organization. Great leaders can drive a company to success, while ineffective ones can lead to its downfall. Unfortunately, many companies overlook the importance of training their leaders, expecting them to succeed with little to no preparation. If leadership is so critical, how can organizations ensure their leaders are set up for success?
Leaders Need Onboarding
Let's start at the beginning. When a leader is hired, what kind of onboarding is provided? Often, the answer is very little. However, like any employee, leaders deserve a structured onboarding plan.
A successful onboarding process should include:
- An announcement to the team about the new leader, along with their team’s details.
- A personalized greeting from peers and team members.
- A clearly-communicated onboarding plan outlining what to expect.
- A prepared workspace before their arrival.
- A detailed first day agenda that includes introductions with fellow leaders and a debrief to discuss first impressions.
- Formal training on systems, processes, and essential leadership skills, such as those offered in the Impact Leadership Courses.
- A review with a Talent Analyst to discuss coaching and communication strategies tailored to their team.
- A conversation about their top strengths, leveraging their Management Talent Assessment and Top Talent Report.
As new leaders navigate this onboarding process, they should receive ongoing feedback from their supervisors about their progress. Defining what success looks like in the first week, month, and quarter is crucial. Without clear goals and milestones, new hires may feel lost and insecure about their performance. Providing these benchmarks helps them track their progress and fosters confidence.
Ongoing Training
How frequently does your company offer leadership training? If the answer is rarely or never, it's time to change that. Start with a topic that resonates with your leadership team. Are sellers struggling with prospecting, or perhaps they find it challenging to secure appointments? Initiate a conversation to explore how leadership can better support the sales team in achieving their goals. The CSS Consultant Roundtable series offers invaluable insights into how leadership can enhance their skills and those of their teams.
Consider seeking seminars or webinars on relevant topics like team culture, multi-generational workforces, recruiting, and diversity and inclusion. These initiatives not only benefit leaders but also help create strong connections with their teams. Encourage leaders to read and discuss impactful business books during meetings, fostering a culture of curiosity. Share resources like blogs, TED talks, and articles that inspire and educate, benefiting both leaders and their teams.
Developing the Leadership Team
Each leader should regularly refer to their Top Talent Report and reflect on their strengths. It's equally essential for leaders to understand their team’s strengths and focus on their development. Have leadership teams shared their top talents and communication styles with one another? This practice can enhance collaboration and understanding.
During one-on-one meetings, recognize a leader’s strengths and share an example of when they demonstrated it. Discuss how they can further develop this strength. For instance, if a Sales Manager excels in building relationships and conducting effective in-field coaching, celebrate this talent and explore how they can elevate their coaching abilities. If their “can do” attitude and Positivity really gets the team fired up. recognize the talent and perhaps put them in charge of getting the team excited about a new initiative.
Conclusion
Investing in leadership training and development is not just beneficial; it’s essential for a company’s long-term success. By providing structured onboarding, ongoing training, and a focus on personal growth, organizations can empower their leaders to thrive. Remember, effective leadership doesn’t just happen; it’s cultivated.
When leaders are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and support, they can inspire their teams to achieve extraordinary results. So, let’s commit to nurturing our leaders today, ensuring a brighter, more successful tomorrow for everyone involved.
