A lot is being written about Leadership Development these days.  It isn’t much different than 20 years ago when I was in charge of putting together a Management Development Program for a Hi Tech company.  I wish I still had a copy of the model we developed because I don’t believe the topics have changed much:  change, team building, conflict. . . .  What has changed is how we define those skills and how we might go about achieving the competencies.

There will be a place for off site executive development but generally the cost of “classroom” experience has become quite unreasonable.  While we definitely do insist on some face to face meetings (for events like our Post Merger Integration Program, 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Workshop, Visioning or Strategic Planning and Engaging the Whole Processes), we too offer more teleclasses or webinars.

Here are some other considerations that an individual can do on their own or with the support of their organization.  Sorry, but some of these can cost money.

1. Deliberate Practice. Becoming great at anything–sports, science, business–requires ten years of practice and 1,000 hours of practice per year. “Ten thousand hours is the magic number of greatness,” Gladwell argues in his book “Outliners”.  Read this article in Harvard Business Publishing for a more in depth discussion.
2. Coaching.  I am not going to write about all the benefits and ROI here.  You have heard enough about it but coaching from the right source can speed up your development and help you with that action plan.
3. Read. And I don’t mean business books or necessarily fiction.
4. Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience in areas where you may not have the opportunity at work.  Not-for-Profits are always looking for individuals who are willing to step forward and take on a leadership role.  It might even lead to a new job.
5. Hobbies.
6. Travel. A number of firms are offering these services to organizations as the article in the Financial Times points out: Travel broadens executive minds. However, you could develop your own strategy with assistance.
7. Mergers. What Makes the Best CEOs? Mergers Can Help. OK, maybe this isn’t at your level or an obvious option (You’d be surprised though that you probably will be involved in at least one merger in your career.)  I couldn’t help adding it for fun and to stress the need for leaders to develop this specific competency – Post Merger Integration Change.   Adapting to change is key to business survival.
8. Getting a Pink Slip. If yo do experience number 7 – it might be followed up with number 8 – a layoff.  Don’t be too discouraged, an article in USA Today suggests getting fired can be an impetus to create new leaders.