Leadership development programs are continuously shaped according to the trends of the economy and shifting industrial demands and requirements. The recent pandemic has led to a major emphasis on the adaptation to change (especially of the swift and unforeseen kind) and systematic use of remote technology.
Organisational leaders should keep a sharp eye out for some key modules and focal points in their current and future leadership development programs, which will grant them an advantage during the current period of uncertainty.
Mentoring
Mentoring remains a key aspect of modern leadership development programs. The process is essentially an umbrella term, which includes coaching, guiding, feedback, and overall leadership development.
Mentorship arrangements within the workplace have myriad benefits, such as the enhancement of leadership skills, and more importantly, workplace engagement. According to market research by leading survey platform Survey Monkey, Nine in 10 workers who have a career mentor say they are happy in their jobs.
It is important to note that while leaders create followers, mentors are leaders who groom leaders of the future. This is significant for future crises, where individuals will be ready to handle the situation with initiative, confidence, and skill – without dependence on top-down instructions.
Change Management / Adaptation
The pandemic might have proven to be a logistical nightmare for some organisations. The exodus of work-from-home arrangements has caught leaders and workers unprepared for remote functionalities. According to a Qualtrics study, this has led to a drop in productivity among workers.
Leadership development programs should help develop leaders into champions for change. This may be achieved by informing on the tips and tools necessary in creating a flexible workplace. Leaders should also be prepared to rally employees at all times, keep them calm, and in control despite sudden crises.
For example, during the pandemic, employers can optimise staff management and productivity by retaining access to resources required for their jobs through remote Cloud servers.
Communication
Communication is the adhesive that binds the lessons in every leadership development program. Modern leaders must develop their communication skills across various digital channels, going beyond the fundamentals of speech and writing.
Information travels rapidly in the realm of social media, leaders will be missing out on a lot of valuable data on the table without the appropriate communication skills.
Social media management, crisis communication, and social listening are just some of the many recommended additions to the modern leader’s inventory of communication tools.
Systematic Technology
Remote accessibility is set to be a fixture in the workplace of tomorrow. Leadership development programs should equip leaders with the know-how to function, motivate, and guide workers from a distance.
Automated systems should replace human intervention where possible, to ensure that key processes remain uninterrupted during staff displacements and reshuffling at the workplace.
Leadership development programs should include basic courses on online communication platforms, A.I. integration, and cloud platforms to ensure every leader is capable of remotely engaging employees and containing situations as they usher in a smart future.
StrengthsAsia has helped many individual and corporate clients all throughout the region in identifying and maximizing their talents, in driving engagement and increasing motivation in their work and life.
A devotee at the altar of language and a celebrant of expression. Laurenzo has written for various SMEs, MNCs, startups and international brands over the last three years. He specializes in topics of psychology, lifestyle, employee management, and digital trends.