‘Time is the only finite resource.’

Simon Sinek (https://www.startwithwhy.com/)

 ‘Many people are silently begging to be led.’

Jay Abraham (http://www.abraham.com/)

I had a friend ask me what I have learned since venturing out on this the next leg of my career and life. Two things come to mind:

1. The desire and the need for leadership development are HUGE!

And,

2. Time is the only finite stumbling block for advancing leadership development; resources and commitment are only excuses for not doing it.

Tips for leaders determined to overcome obstacles to leadership development

• If time is the issue: (read more about spending time with the right people)
  • Add personal and organizational development objectives to the annual performance goals
  • Add periodic review of progress to your calendar.
  • Add talent-development goals to the leadership meeting agendas.
  • Make to coach and counsel those who are struggling to develop their staff.

• If size and money are primary obstacles: (read more about your High-Performance people)
  • Ask whether assignments are handed out, and resources are allocated with leadership development in mind.
  • Explicitly factoring leadership development objectives into work assignments sends a powerful message
  • On-the-job learning is a powerful driver of leadership development

• If lack of commitment from the top is the primary obstacle: (read more on getting results)
  • Put leadership development on the front burner when senior leaders meet.
  • Senior Leaders who persistently raise the issue and link leadership development to long-term strategy signal their engagement and set priorities for the rest of the team.
  • Add leadership development to the board agenda at least once a year.

I know that commitment isn’t the issue with you, so if I can take money and time off of the table would you say yes to a leadership development program for your people!