Our sister company, GFV Business Advisory has a tag line of Identifying and Developing the Next Generation of Leaders, so you could anticipate that we get a lot of questions regarding how to improve the development and performance of leaders and leadership teams. This is especially true with family-owned businesses where the next generation of leaders is somewhat pre-determined, and the job is to help them become effective leaders. But it is also true in larger, public corporations where there are several executives that could be in line for the primary leadership position. So, what is the answer to the question above? You absolutely can make someone into a leader. But, like any other skill, there are degrees of success.
If you were to ask most people this question the majority would say yes, leadership can be taught. And they are not wrong. As a matter of fact, research shows up to 70% of the skills and characteristics of effective leaders can be taught. However, there is compelling scientific evidence that leadership is predictable and traits, values, and behaviors in certain people make them more likely to become leaders. That’s where the other 30% comes in. These individuals exhibit early signals or indicators which can be measured at an early age. So even if leadership can be taught and developed through learning and experience, translating that experience into expertise differs in individuals and therefore some have a higher probability of developing a talent for leadership.
Think of it as any other skill, throwing and catching a ball, playing a musical instrument. You can teach a kid how to throw and catch, or how to play the piano, but that does not mean they will be good at it. You can teach someone how to catch but, if they have poor hand-eye coordination they will continue to be challenged. Improvement may be getting hit in the face with the ball 5 times instead of 10 when 20 balls are thrown at them. Still not good. Especially for the kids face! The same holds true for leadership. You may find people that are great, good, average, or poor at leadership. And all the teaching in the world may make them a little better but if they do not have the psychological qualities that make leaders more effective, you may be disappointed in their ability to lead. What are some of those psychological qualities that make leaders more effective?
The Psychological Qualities That Make Leaders More Effective
Reasoning Ability
Ego Drive
Empathy
Resilience
Curiosity
Humility
Integrity
The good news is that all these traits can be reliably measured. And, more importantly, it is these very differences that act as the catalyst to seek out the experiences that develop leadership skills. Smart people will acquire more expertise and get better at problem solving. Ego Driven people will challenge themselves. Empathetic people have the capability of understanding and connecting with others. And resilient people will show more determination during setbacks and be better prepared for the challenges that come with leadership roles. Leadership is therefore the result of people’s unique characteristics and the educational path provided before and during their career.
Not everyone is cut out to be a leader. Not everyone wants to be a leader. That’s good news because an effective leader needs to put the best team “on the field” and it is easy to see we need more “players” than leaders for an organization to be effective. Therefore leadership training should not be for everyone. Organizations waste thousands of dollars a year for leadership training yet only a small portion of those in the program will become leaders or become better leaders.
Extensive Research Shows:
Coaching significantly improves the effectiveness of leaders, as well as improving their skills and emotional competence.
Professional, scientifically validated assessments, including (360s), significantly improves the results of coaching, especially when used together. A 360 shows how leaders are perceived by others as well as their reputation. A professional assessment helps them understand why they are seen that way.
Increased knowledge and expertise are the most impactful way to improve leadership. Focusing on the technical aspects of leadership, habits, behaviors, or emotional changes continue to be underestimated in contributing to leadership success.
Since humility, curiosity, reasoning ability, and empathy increase people’s potential to improve their leadership skills, we can conclude that people who display these traits are more coachable and therefore will benefit the most from coaching.
How can schools make the most of this information?
Spend more time trying to identify potential leaders.
Customize leadership training to each potential leader.
Take advantage of the wealth of data available from professional assessments and 360s.
Look to implement an individualized leadership coaching program.
Use data to measure leadership improvement.
It is no secret that companies with strong leadership perform better than those with good, average, or poor leadership. Don’t leave your leadership programs to chance. Leadership development and training may provide the best ROI of any investment a company can make today.
Let GFV Campus to Career help you make your school one of the best at Identifying and Developing the Next Generation of Leaders!
For information on how GFV Campus to Career can help you and your staff develop the next generation of leaders call or email us today. We will be happy to provide you with a free consultation and program outline.