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Intentional Leadership Development
Cathie Leimbach • September 24, 2024
Most leaders aren’t born with the natural ability to lead well. Effective leaders usually result from intentional leadership development. Here are some helpful strategies for developing the mindset and skills for effective leadership:
- Leaders' Buy-In: Ensure leaders fully understand and support the organization’s strategic objectives and initiatives. Their commitment is crucial for success.
- Time and Resources: Dedicate sufficient time and resources to help potential leaders grow. Investing in their development is key to their success.
- Critical Mass Training: Train a significant number of leaders to create a meaningful impact. A larger group of well-trained leaders can drive positive change more effectively.
- Value-Adding Practices: Focus on leadership practices that add the most value. Prioritize skills and behaviors that benefit the organization the most.
- Experiential Activities: Include hands-on activities that shift mindsets and encourage change. Practical experiences are powerful in fostering growth.
- Measure Impact: Regularly measure the overall impact of leadership development efforts. This helps ensure the strategies are effective and making a difference.
By using these strategies, organizations can cultivate strong and effective leaders.
Based on “Four Cs of Effective Conversation” - The Ohio State University Leadership Center. Ever walked out of a meeting thinking everything was settled, only to realize later that key actions didn’t happen, or alignment was off? That’s because effective conversations require four key elements: clarity, candor, commitment, and completion. Clarity: Make Sure Everyone’s on the Same Page Miscommunication is one of the biggest productivity killers. It’s easy to assume people understand what’s being said, but without clear expectations, mistakes happen. Take the time to check for understanding—what’s obvious to you might not be obvious to everyone else. Candor: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Honest, direct conversations build strong teams. When people hold back their real thoughts or concerns, issues fester, and progress stalls. Creating a culture of candor—where people feel safe to speak openly—makes teams more effective and relationships stronger. Commitment: Get Specific About Next Steps A vague “I’ll handle it” often leads to dropped balls. When commitments are specific—who will do what by when—things actually get done. Leaders sometimes hesitate to ask for deadlines, fearing it feels like micromanagement, but clear commitments drive accountability without overstepping. Completion: Don’t Move On Too Soon Before wrapping up a discussion, check that everything’s been addressed. Did we answer all key questions? Does everyone know what happens next? Ensuring a topic is fully covered prevents confusion later and keeps teams aligned. Mastering these four Cs can turn routine workplace conversations into powerful tools for productivity and collaboration.
Today's workplaces are changing, and managers play a key role in increasing workplace morale and productivity. Research shows that managers impact 70% of what affects how engaged and effective employees are. Surveys show many employees are dissatisfied. They say that expectations are unclear, they don’t feel respected by management, they don’t get enough training, and they don't see how their work matters. With the increasing number of seniors and fewer people in the workforce, increased productivity is essential. Strong leadership is more important than ever. Managers need to develop skills to help their teams succeed. This includes: • Setting clear goals, • Showing appreciation, • Providing good training, and • Helping employees see the purpose of their work. The innovative Conversational Management program helps managers build these leadership skills. It focuses on the leadership practices which boost engagement and productivity. Managers can participate in a virtual Test Drive to see how these strategies can improve teamwork and performance. If you want better results and productivity, REGISTER HERE to join a Test Drive and learn about this highly effective leadership approach!