5 Effective Leadership Development Programs for Employees

As the skills needed by employees to run a successful organization become more complex, it is important that your organization take a proactive approach to developing its workforce. While this is important, it is absolutely critical that your human resources department focuses on creating effective leadership development programs as well.

Leadership development programs for employees will allow your organization to prepare individuals for leadership roles as they become available at your organization. Since leaders can make such a large impact on the overall success of an organization, it is important that special efforts be put into this process. This will become very apparent as thousands of baby boomers begin to retire in the following years, leaving masses of leadership roles open to be filled by new leaders. For better help in preparing for this transition, download our free workforce planning template

 There are several ways in which an organization can provide leadership development programs for employees. The specific programs you choose for your organization should be based on your own internal objectives and resources.

1. Mentoring

While some types of mentoring relationships are organic, having a paired program for future leaders to learn more about their potential roles is a very strategic process. It is one of the most effective leadership development programs for employees when done correctly.

2. MBA Program

MBA programs can be very expensive, which turns off several people (including your employees) from obtaining one on their own dime. If you have a few employees who could potentially be executives at your organization in the coming years, providing them with a solid foundation of business education is a great way to ensure your long term success as an organization.

3. Leadership Development Programs: Coaching

This is a perfect solution for organizations that do not have the time or money capital to devote their potential leadership to a full-fledged MBA program. Many programs can be offered online, with matched coaches that meet with your employee on a regular basis via phone, online chat, or skype. These options are usually the most cost effective as well! 

4. Workshops

This option, while often pricey, is a quick way to develop your leadership talent. Many workshops are only a few days long, so your employees will not be absent from their current roles long enough to create a negative impact on workflows. If time away from the job is a major concern in the planning of your leadership development programs, this is a great option.

5. Rotational Program

A rotational program allows high potential future leadership the ability to learn about all aspects of the organization. For future c-level employees, this can be very useful as it allows them to grasp the entire operations of an organization.

Raymond Lee

Raymond Lee is the President of Careerminds, a global outplacement company based in Wilmington, Delaware. He has over 20 years of human resource, outplacement, and career consulting experience. He has his bachelor’s in psychology and holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Louisiana Tech University. He is active in SHRM and ATD. Raymond’s been featured on SiriusXM Business Radio, CareerTalk, and the Wall Street Journal and he’s published a book titled, Clocking Out: A Stress-Free Guide to Career Transitions.