Creating a leadership development plan is a critical step in forging a successful career path. A McKinsey study reveals that 70% of employees who received effective leadership training improved their job performance. This plan is more than a roadmap; it’s a commitment to personal growth and professional excellence.
As an executive leadership coach, I have seen firsthand the profound impact a well-structured leadership development plan can have on an individual’s career. Let’s dive into how you can design a plan that not only enhances your leadership skills but also propels your career to new heights.
Assess Your Current Leadership Skills: Begin with self-assessment. Identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Understanding where you currently stand is crucial for setting realistic and impactful development goals.
Define Your Leadership Goals: What does success look like to you? Set clear, specific goals for your leadership development. These goals should be challenging yet achievable and aligned with your long-term career aspirations.
Seek Feedback and Insights: Gather external perspectives. Solicit feedback from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors to gain a well-rounded view of your leadership abilities and areas where you can improve.
Prioritize Key Areas for Development: Focus your efforts. Based on your assessment and feedback, prioritize the skills and competencies that will have the most significant impact on your leadership effectiveness.
Choose Appropriate Learning Methods: Tailor your learning approach. Select training programs, workshops, mentoring, and other learning methods that suit your learning style and development needs.
Set Milestones and Measure Progress: Track your journey. Establish milestones to gauge your progress and make adjustments to your plan as needed. Celebrating small wins will keep you motivated throughout the process.
Apply Learning in Real-World Situations: Put theory into practice. Apply what you learn in real-world scenarios. Practical application solidifies learning and enhances skill development.
Continuously Review and Update Your Plan: Adapt and evolve. Regularly review your development plan to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your evolving career goals.
A leadership development plan is a dynamic tool that evolves with your career. By carefully crafting and diligently following your plan, you can elevate your leadership skills and achieve your career aspirations.
Lead From Within: In the journey to exceptional leadership, the first step is always inward. Design a development plan that resonates with your aspirations, and let it guide you to your full leadership potential.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.