As TomorrowToday we have the privilege to both design and participate in Leadership Development Programmes (LDPs) throughout the world. We work internationally with some of fineness business schools and blue-chip multi-nationals in this arena. We have seen a great deal: some of it excellent, a lot of it very poor. It is an area of significant spend for the client and there is a real need to get a worthwhile return on investment on your LDP.

Based on our observations and participation, here are six things, shared as a series, that you need to consider when it comes to designing or looking for a strategic partner in the delivery of your LDP:

Ladder into sky# 4: Leadership is more than a title or position of authority

Leadership is a relational process. This is true of both leadership practice and in how one teaches leadership.  You should have access to plenty of world-class content but more importantly, building a relationship that will provide a context for that content, can greatly enhance the learning experience. Too many of the current programmes are driven primarily by content and curriculum and whilst important, these aspects should be subject to a relational undertow. Learning ‘relationship’ is the leaders primary concern in a Connection Economy. Shaping and conditioning the organizational culture is the leader’s critical responsibility and as it has often been said, ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast every time’.

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