Knowing when and why to sign-up for a leadership development program is key to determining which one is right for you. Each program offers insights, frameworks, and tools to help elevate your leadership competency during and after the program finishes. However, I recommend finding one that addresses many, if not all, the reasons I offer below. With each reason to take a leadership program, I’ll shed light on what to look for in a program and how to continue your growth mindset after a program is complete.
Reason #1 – Leadership programs are not just for people leaders
Specific programs focus on people leaders and the skills they require to support their teams, but leadership is compelling when learning to lead with influence versus leading with a title. We all need to acquire leadership capabilities for the future and taking a leadership program is just the thing to help you gain skills that will prepare you for new roles.
Great programs offer sessions dedicated to learning while giving you a wee bit of homework and self-reflection. So, what should you look for in a program? Here are some things to consider:
- An understanding of what leadership is and how to recognize it
- Exploration of where you are in your leadership journey and what your path forward is for you, as no two people’s journeys are the same
- Peer support and collaborative growth through breakout sessions that help drive your emotional intelligence and build your confidence and skills to reduce imposter syndrome
- Self-assessments that help you break through some of your current barriers and guide you to discover the blind spots that could impede your growth
- Coaching sessions for you to dive deeper into some of your areas of concern while learning how to coach others through active listening and practice
- Offering you suggestions to continue your leadership journey when the program is over
Not all programs are equal, and the instructors’ style and approach must resonate with you. Seek testimonials and read the course outline – when you find one that appeals to your current journey – dive in! You won’t regret it.
Reason #2 – Understanding your style boosts confidence
There is no one leadership style, nor is there anything that states you can’t blend styles to find one that speaks to who you are as a leader or how you want to show up. Finding a program that helps you figure out your style is an excellent way to boost your confidence and let your leadership style speak for itself. A bonus to getting to know your style, you can use this understanding to begin framing your brand – what a great way to continue to shine with added confidence.
So, what should you look for in a program that helps boost your confidence?
- Self-assessments that shed light on your strengths and help you see blind spots to consider different scenarios or explore after the program is complete
- Coaching for growth is where you explore areas and dig deep into the why to grow or drive past previous experiences that might be holding you back
- Offer tools and techniques you can tap into when you lack confidence
- Practice opportunities with peers during the program to help you gain confidence in a safe environment
- A guide or references to consider exploring in confidence is something you need a wee bit more time to build this skill and be able to tap into it when needed
Leadership programs that focus on women in leadership may also be of interest when considering boosting your confidence, especially when trying to break through the broken rung syndrome plaguing women who want to move up the leadership ladder. While there are many leadership programs, ones focused on and led by other women leaders have the potential to be very powerful in your leadership development.
Reason #3 – Squash that imposter syndrome that plagues all of us
Who knew that everyone experiences imposter syndrome when we least expect it? It is not a topic that people feel comfortable admitting until recently. Understanding it, acknowledging it, and having techniques to squash it when it rears its ugly head is key to your ability to grow as a leader and embrace opportunities. We have all heard that women will not apply for a new role if they don’t have 100% of the qualifications and experience – that is imposter syndrome at its worst. So, what should you look for in a program to help reduce your imposter syndrome?
- Is imposter syndrome specifically in the program overview? If the answer is no, consider continuing to explore other program options
- Do they offer techniques, coaching and peer exercises to help you better understand your imposter syndrome?
- What support does the program offer you to gain the confidence that helps you squash your imposter syndrome when it might be holding you back?
Knowing what and how to address imposter syndrome is not nice; it is a must-have to help you be the best leader you can be. Because if you can recognize your imposter syndrome, you will be better able to see it in your team and share techniques to help them work past it easier.
Reason #4 – Are you prepared to compete in the great resignation?
Leadership experience should be mandatory for every job you consider applying for, including the one you have now. I’m talking about people leadership and the qualities you offer to help build a high-performing team or work and support your peers through leading with influence. Consider the skills that help you stand out and help you work strategically, drive change and embrace automation or managed service providers. Finding a leadership program that helps you build the skills needed for the future is critical to your ongoing success and competing with the vast talent available since the great resignation began. People want more out of their work-life integration. So, what should you look for in a program that prepares you for the future of leadership?
- Current leadership strategies and models that help you remain or become relevant to potential recruiters and hiring managers – like technology, leadership practices have evolved, and you must continue to stay current
- It helps you explore your career journey and how leadership skills play into your future self while helping you demonstrate your capabilities today and is a map to continue to grow
- Coaching opportunities with peers and coaches to explore your blind spots that may get in your way if exploring a career or role change
Leadership programs are a great way to learn a significant amount of information and skills quickly, but it is more than just a one-and-done exercise. I have taken quite a few leadership programs and selected the components that help shape my leadership journey and how I stay relevant through a continued growth mindset.
Reason #5 – Elevating your growth mindset by exploring your blind spots
If you are anything like me, you’ll have leadership blind spots that can only be recognized and actioned through self-discovery. While hugely uncomfortable, exploring your strengths and weaknesses will help you as a leader. So, if you are ready to explore your blind spots for the greater good, consider programs that offer:
- Self-assessments that help shed light on your key strengths (e.g., Strength Finders) and what you thought were strengths may be something other than your superpower
- How to navigate the weaknesses so you don’t become fixated on only fixing areas of weaknesses and forget to continue expanding your strength capabilities
- Help you explore ways to elevate your capabilities in a way that feels authentic to you through coaching and experimentation in a small group setting
While these are only some reasons to consider a leadership program, I hope it helps you make the right program decision. If you are looking for women-specific programs, consider if it is a modernized leadership program focused on where women are today in the workforce and covers the key topics that impact women leaders.
Great women-specific leadership programs I have taken:
- Women In Leadership Development Program by Women In Leadership Foundation
- Taking the Stage by the Humphrey Group
A program that I consider every year and have yet to pull the trigger on:
- The Judy Project or Leadership Development for Mid-Career Women from the Rotman School of Business
Connect with Penny on LinkedIn or check out www.theizzyway.ca for more of her collection of blog posts