Running a business comes with plenty of challenges, but a company that values a culture of leadership stays one step ahead. Here are five top ways an employee-wide leadership training program can benefit your organization.
Boost Productivity
When you provide employees with leadership training, you can expect to see an increase in productivity. Through the right training programs, your workforce can learn the skills they need to perform at or above their own personal goals and those set by management.
Studies show that people perform worse when they're stressed, over-extended, and under too much pressure. They also tend to lose creativity under these conditions. Through leadership training, employees become empowered as they learn how to keep their focus in times of stress.
When each employee sees themselves as a leader, they're better equipped to properly assess issues and work through solutions, with or without a manager present. This ensures work gets completed on time and gives teams a sense of autonomy to go above and beyond.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
When it comes to mindset, people tend to lean towards a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. In a fixed mindset, people assume their abilities are immovable and unchanging. These folks believe their current level of talent alone is enough to get by.
On the other hand, those with a growth mindset are lifelong learners, always looking to improve. Leadership training helps employees understand that through dedication and hard work, even a beginner can become an expert.
Leadership training fosters a growth mindset in your workforce, as it provides employees with the opportunity to take chances and try new things. This creates a culture of innovation and experimentation, which could lead to your company's next big idea.
Maximize Engagement
Employee engagement is a major goal of most organizations, one that can be achieved by putting a solid leadership training program in place. When employees are given the tools they need to give and receive feedback, they're more likely to value and foster a positive working environment. This creates a ripple effect across teams and managers.
Employees also need to feel a sense of belonging to stay engaged, and providing them with leadership training shows them you're invested in their career. When individuals feel valued, it makes them feel safe and comfortable, allowing them to stay energized and excited about their projects and tasks.
Enhancing Employee Retention and Satisfaction
Investing in personal and professional development through leadership training is not just about shaping future leaders; it's about valuing your employees and showing them that their growth and satisfaction matter. When employees see that their company is willing to invest in their future, it fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment. This investment in their growth leads to increased job satisfaction as they feel more competent and confident in their roles. As they develop new skills and take on more responsibilities, they're likely to feel more fulfilled and engaged with their work.
Leadership training can significantly reduce turnover rates. When employees feel stagnant or undervalued, they're more likely to look for opportunities elsewhere. However, when they're given the chance to grow and see a clear path for advancement within the organization, they're more likely to stay and contribute to the company's success. This not only saves costs associated with recruiting and training new employees but also helps maintain a strong and experienced workforce.
By investing in the professional and personal development of your employees through leadership training, you're not just building a more skilled and capable workforce; you're creating a more positive, engaging, and satisfying workplace. This not only benefits your employees on an individual level but also enhances the overall health and success of your organization.
Support Current Leaders
In a survey of 3,000 workers, a whopping 82% of them said they would quit over a bad manager. Taking things a step further, another survey revealed that 43% of managers feel burned out and unsupported. This type of chain reaction can be disrupted through effective leadership training.
Employees are often promoted from individual contributor roles into management with very little support through the transition. A company-wide leadership training program provides potential managers with the tools they'll need when they rise in rank.
Leadership training can also help current managers weather storms in uncertain times. Programs with built-in peer support allow managers to gain new perspectives from others in similar roles and a safe space to practice new leadership skills. Training lays the groundwork and helps managers stay steady in emergencies and become true thought leaders in your organization.
Plan for the Future
Succession planning often falls by the wayside, but it truly pays to have a leadership pipeline in place. Through leadership training, executives can properly assess the current talent pool and identify future leaders. It can also help the current leadership team look beyond louder personalities and identify future leaders who may be more introverted.
Even if you've clearly identified your next generation of leadership, they'll undoubtedly need training in key areas such as communication, management, and conflict resolution. Having a leadership training program in place for all employees allows everyone to have access to the tools they would need as the next department head.
The Bottom Line
Creating an employee-wide leadership training strategy is no small feat. However, once the pieces are in place, organizations reap the benefits of increased productivity, higher employee engagement rates, and a positive working environment. A robust leadership training program also helps current leaders identify who they'll pass the baton to in the future.
If you’d like to learn more about how to develop an engaging and effective leadership training program, connect with us or consider attending one of our upcoming leadership conferences and leadership events.
