Six Leadership Development triggers

Individuals will come from their own unique starting points and need differing inputs to help them reach their true leadership potentials. There are, of course, tools and characteristics which are universal to all good leaders, which is why organisations such as Leadership Trust exist; to provide leadership development programmes to those wishing to better themselves and the world around them. What triggers people onto their leadership development journey can be as unique as the person themselves. We’ve grouped some of the most common below:

Inspirational bosses and peers

We should never underestimate the power of witnessing good leadership. Seeing others lead well and the positive impact it has, can be extremely motivational. You will want to mirror those same qualities and learn the skills and techniques required to be an equally effective leader.

Negative management experiences

Equally, the same is true with the impact a bad leader can have on a person’s triggers into focussing on their leadership development. We can probably all think of a time when we have been managed poorly and ineffectively. It could be that you had a manager who ruled with an iron fist and wasn’t able to nurture individual members of their team. Or in more dire circumstances, a leader who bullied and threatened their teams into submission. Whichever the case, these types of leaders can be just as effective at triggering a person to want to do better than the example that had been set. A negative management experience can be the catalyst for people to delve deeper into leadership development.

Lifestyle changes

There are so many pivotal moments in life that can be a catalyst. The addition of a new family member, a health scare or a move to a new country. It might not seem likely to be linked to a desire to learn how to be a better leader. More often than not, it is in these large, life changing moments which prompt you to reevaluate youself as well as how other people view you. This can be an extremely pivotal moment of change. You may want to find a better work-life balance, take home less stress, or adopt the same feeling of peace you found at home into your work environment. Identifying your individual leadership development gaps and ways to plug them through courses, programmes and coaching can help a person achieve these goals.

Travel and cultural experiences

Stepping out of your comfort zone and working or travelling abroad is oftentimes a catalyst for change. Being able to witness a way of working (or living!) that is different from what you have been used to can be a lightbulb moment. By seeing firsthand that there are multiple ways to achieve the same end goal is both liberating and exciting. It can allow a learner to adopt these methods within their own leadership and management styles. Or simply create curiosity to learn more about the different ways that they can develop their leadership toolkit.

Sports and team activities

Have you ever been in a member of a sports team?  Seeing how a great coach is able to rally their team together both in defeat or triumph can be a beautiful moment to watch. One that stays with you long after the game has finished. Equally, the examples of teamwork from playing the sport or being part of a social club can be something an individual would want to emulate into their workplace teams. When teams work well together, under good leadership, the quality of output is much improved.

Recognition or sponsorship from organisations

Perhaps your manager has recognised your potential for growth. Or the organisation’s learning and development plans include you attend mandatory leadership development programmes. Whatever the reason, whether it is to make you more effective at what it is you already do, or to help you progress up the career ladder, good organisations will want to see their people have enriching experiences; leadership development courses are one such way of enriching.

What next?

As we mentioned at the very beginning of this post, every development journey is different. You may see yourself reflected in one of these six groups of catalysts, or your own trigger may have been a different one. What’s important is that you start the journey, regardless of the trigger.

People who have taken part in our programmes, be it a five-day residential Leadership in Management course, or our online Coaching Skills programme, have described the experience as being life-changing, which goes to show what a positive effect a well-run, experiential leadership development programme can have.

Leadership Development is rewarding. Leadership development programmes and other forms of learning strengthens you as an individual positively impacts those around you and is of a tangible benefit to your organisations too.

What was the catalyst to your own leadership development journey? If you would like to discuss how Leadership Trust can help you further develop, click here to email us and speak with a member of our team.

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