Intentional Leadership Development
Cathie Leimbach • September 24, 2024
Most leaders aren’t born with the natural ability to lead well. Effective leaders usually result from intentional leadership development. Here are some helpful strategies for developing the mindset and skills for effective leadership:
- Leaders' Buy-In: Ensure leaders fully understand and support the organization’s strategic objectives and initiatives. Their commitment is crucial for success.
- Time and Resources: Dedicate sufficient time and resources to help potential leaders grow. Investing in their development is key to their success.
- Critical Mass Training: Train a significant number of leaders to create a meaningful impact. A larger group of well-trained leaders can drive positive change more effectively.
- Value-Adding Practices: Focus on leadership practices that add the most value. Prioritize skills and behaviors that benefit the organization the most.
- Experiential Activities: Include hands-on activities that shift mindsets and encourage change. Practical experiences are powerful in fostering growth.
- Measure Impact: Regularly measure the overall impact of leadership development efforts. This helps ensure the strategies are effective and making a difference.
By using these strategies, organizations can cultivate strong and effective leaders.
Rosabeth Moss Kanter, a respected professor at Harvard Business School, has spent her career connecting the dots between leadership and economic innovation. Her work shows that developing strong leaders doesn’t just benefit companies—it creates ripple effects that boost entire communities and economies. Effective leaders encourage teamwork, spark innovation, and help their organizations adapt to change. That kind of forward-thinking leadership attracts investment, drives productivity, and supports long-term growth. Kanter believes leadership isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic asset. She famously said, “Strategic leadership is an economic resource,” reminding us that developing talent is more than an HR initiative—it’s an engine for prosperity. But good leaders aren’t born overnight. Building strong leadership takes training, mentorship, and a commitment to continuous learning. And when businesses and governments make that investment, the rewards show up as better jobs, stronger institutions, and thriving local economies. Kanter’s research is clear: the path to economic progress starts with leadership development. If we want innovation and growth, we need people equipped to lead with vision and impact. 👉 Want to explore this connection further? Check out: How Good Leadership Helps Innovation and Growth
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