Possible Methods for Developing Leaders

• Training programs and educational offerings – not only on a technical level but also to strengthen social skills
• Coaching by trainers
• Mentoring
• International assignments and rotation programs
• Individual seminars
• Workshops
  

Leadership Development and the Role of HR

HR plays a significant role in developing leaders – not only in actively supporting their development but also in sourcing suitable trainers, providing appropriate coaching, or designing tailored programs or workshops (f.e. beyond leadership) for the respective candidates. Mentoring can also be beneficial for aspiring leaders, and HR typically provides support in this area as well.

The recruiting team additionally assumes a moderating role, ensuring that future leaders and coaches or mentors regularly exchange ideas. The focus is on questions such as: Which measures are appropriate? What are the development goals, and how have the selected coaching and other interventions contributed? It is important to recognize that aspiring leaders are not only taking on new tasks but also adapting to unfamiliar roles within their teams, which must also be learned. HR’s task is to critically evaluate measures and advise whether the offered programs provide organizational value. This approach helps to reliably minimize emerging challenges and prevent incorrect decisions.

Successful Talent Development Requires Good Consultation

Identifying employees suitable for leadership roles, proactively driving their development, and accompanying the process as an intermediary is a time-consuming task that is difficult to manage alongside daily operations. With Refline’s e-recruiting software, you can reduce administrative efforts by up to 70%, leaving sufficient time to successfully develop future leaders.

Key Aspects of Leadership Development

When selecting future leaders, it is important to consider that a person should not only be nominated based on proven technical expertise or hierarchical position but primarily based on leadership potential. The competencies and skills a leader should possess are diverse. The most important and consistently in demand include:

• Assertiveness and decisiveness
• Time management
• Transparent communication skills
• Strong social competence, persuasiveness, and conflict resolution skills
• Systemic thinking

Developing Leaders: Attractive Tools

Aspiring leaders should not only be supported through coaching; leadership development is most effective when additional tools are employed. Attractive options include financial incentives. Those who take on more responsibility should also feel the financial benefits.

Regular conversations with employees, possibly in the form of seminars, promote self- and further development. Goal-setting agreements, which are linked to motivational rewards upon achievement, are easy to integrate into such discussions. Naturally, career options such as promotions or job rotations are also well-received. Online courses are another effective tool, offering flexibility to integrate into employees’ daily work routines and thereby contributing to long-term company success.