Wednesday 11 January 2017

Comprehensive Low Cost Leadership Development Ideas

By Jeffrey Price


There is a growing need for proactive and dynamic leadership in the world today. Brands around the world are looking for people to take up the responsibility of leading them into the next generation. While companies offer such opportunities, the skills are meant for their current situation. Low cost leadership development programs are the solution because they offer a universal set of skills.

The idea of a mentor is an opportunity to identify, link and maintain a growth oriented relationship. You get training through engagement and most importantly by example. Look for a person who is accomplished in the area you target to lead. This could be in your department or organization. Look beyond for leaders in other fields to create a pool where the best ideas are gathered. Many mentors enable you to select the best ideas, develop a personalized cocktail and thus be more versatile in your leadership.

Have an accountability group. Mentors will direct you on skills and actions to take in order to grow. This is not enough. You need a person or group of people pushing you to achieve set goals within a certain time-line. The accountability team shares resources, encourages you and puts you on toes. When you are most discouraged, the group will support you to work towards set goals. It makes you guilty every time you fail them.

Make friends with the right people. While leadership is a personal achievement, getting the opportunity to lead provides the experience you need. It also gives others a chance to sample your ideas and thus gain confidence in your ability. Be friendly to your bosses, seniors, management and other decision makers in the industry. However, friendship should not be at the expense of integrity or demeaning your peers.

Volunteer your skills every time you get the chance. Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to meet people. Consider working at the registration desk during a conference. Sit in a committee within your association or organize a day out for executives. Volunteering should aim at exercising your skills. This will fill gaps in your experience and work sections on your resume. The experience gained and contacts collected will prove valuable in future.

Take the cross function and lateral opportunities. Avoid obsessive focus on your skills, career and work place. If you are in marketing, learn and engage with social media or finance guys. Learn what accountants do despite being in communication. This understanding gives you a grasp of what the organization is all about. You will make decisions that are informed and holistic. This is what leaders are supposed to do.

Work on self. A lot of attention goes to leading in your work place, peer groups, organizations, etc. Keep tabs with global trends and acquire new skills every so often. Endeavor to learn a new language, short course, take up exercises, eat better, etc. A person in control of his life is better positioned to take up leadership over other people.

Being a mentor is like having fire under your seat or a camera watching every action. It demands the best out of you since someone considers you a role model and is watching. It takes away the thoughts or chances of failure. As such, you will work harder at personal level eliminating any chance to fail. You cannot relax when someone is looking up to you.




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