Training and qualification: Essentials of leadership development

Abstract

Can leadership be learned? That is the question. Looking at the number of leadership training courses and development programs, the answer probably is “yes.” However, not every person wants to be or can be a leader. Furthermore, there are more and less talented potential leaders. The less talented have to put in more effort to obtain the same result. The market for leadership development is enormous, because (the lack of real) leadership is a hot topic. For companies and organizations, it is of tremendous importance to fill their leadership pipeline. On the basis of thorough analysis of the present and future leadership needs, a development program should to be designed, conducted, and evaluated. The development of leadership takes time. It cannot be done in a week or so. Or as Filipino Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago wrote: “Leaders are not born; it takes practice to develop the qualities of a leader” (Santiago 2014). Involvement of the C-level management is a must. People want their leaders to point out the direction in which to go, to create a safe and secure environment to work and live in, to listen, to care, and if necessary to sacrifice themselves. Investing in a descent leadership development program is cost efficient and effective and diminishes the risk of mismatches and noncompliance.