leadership training

Leadership training has been shown to increase employee engagement, productivity, and retention rates while also improving the overall performance of an organization. Organizations must invest in exemplary leadership training programs based on their goals and needs. With the right approach, any leader can develop the necessary skills to lead successfully in today’s ever-changing business landscape.

Leadership training is essential in today’s workforce for both new and experienced leaders. Organizations offer various leadership training programs catering to specific leadership styles and goals. Various types of leadership training programs are available for individuals who aspire to become influential leaders.

Not convinced you need a leadership course? Learn exactly Why You Should Take a Leadership Course.

Onsite

Onsite leadership training is a popular method for companies to enhance their employees’ skills and knowledge. This type of training allows individuals to gain hands-on experience and learn in a familiar environment.

Advantages: 

  • Tailored to fit the company’s culture, values, and vision.
  • Eliminates travel costs and time away from work since the sessions are held at the company’s premises.
  • Hands-on approach, as participants can interact with instructors and other students in real time.
  • Structured learning environment or for companies that need to train large groups of employees quickly and efficiently.
  • Meet specific needs and goals
  • Efficient and effective

Disadvantages: 

  • Requires adequate preparation from both trainers and participants
  • The program must be structured to accommodate different learning styles and abilities while delivering content clearly and concisely.
  • Expensive and time-consuming.

Online

Online leadership training is becoming increasingly popular as more companies recognize the convenience and cost-effectiveness of this option.

Online Training Examples:

  • Webinars- live, interactive online sessions led by an expert facilitator.
    • Last one to two hours and cover specific topics related to leadership development.
  • Virtual classrooms- simulate a traditional classroom experience with real-time instruction and interaction between participants and instructors.
    • Ideal for small groups or teams needing instructors’ personalized attention.
  • Self-paced courses- provide flexibility for employees who prefer to learn at their own pace.
    • Available 24/7 and often include multimedia content such as videos, audio recordings, interactive quizzes, and case studies that engage learners while improving their skills.

Advantage:

  • Flexible approach that can be tailored to individual learning styles and schedules
  • Participants can learn at their own pace from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for remote workers or those with busy schedules.
  • E-learning is often less expensive than classroom training, making it a budget-friendly option for companies.
  • Access to high quality trainers at a fraction of the cost.

Disadvantages:

  • Lack of personal interaction.
  • Difficult to ask questions or get clarification.
  • May not be suitable for those who prefer hands-on learning or need help staying focused in a self-paced environment.
Staff conflict can seriously interrupt your workflow. Learn How to Handle Staff Conflict.

One: One

1:1 leadership training is a personalized professional development approach focusing on one-on-one coaching and feedback.

Advantages: 

  • The sessions can be scheduled around the leader’s availability and catered to their needs.
  • Type of coaching provides ensures that the leader receives personalized feedback and guidance.
  • Work through real-world situations they experience in their current roles
  • Practical and applicable to their day-to-day work environment.
  • Help leaders develop their strengths, identify areas for improvement and set relevant goals.
  • Private, tailored setting

Disadvantages: 

  • Expensive
  • Not applicable to a wide audience

Group

Leadership training on group dynamics can equip aspiring or current leaders with the skills they need to manage diverse groups effectively. It also enables them to understand the importance of balancing individual needs with the collective in achieving results within a team or committee setting.

Advantages:

  • Effective communication skills among team members
  • Interpersonal relationships within a team foster collaboration and cooperation between team members.
  • Learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Helps create a sense of shared responsibility among team members toward achieving collective success.

Disadvantages:

  • Challenging to cater to the specific needs and skill sets of each participant.
  • Some people may feel uncomfortable speaking up in front of a large group, which can hinder their ability to fully engage with the material.
  • May not retain as much information in a group setting compared to individualized coaching or training sessions.- due to different learning styles
  • If there are disruptive or disengaged participants present, it can negatively impact both the atmosphere and overall progress made during the sessions.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a powerful leadership training approach involving hands-on experiences and the practical application of concepts. This training allows individuals to learn through their own experiences rather than simply hearing from an instructor or reading about them in a textbook.

  • Simulations
  • Case studies,
  • Role-playing exercises

Advantages:

  •  Develop skills in real-world scenarios, enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills immediately in the workplace.
  • Improved performance and productivity.
  • Builds lasting connections between participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that can persist long after the training is over.
  • Customized to meet the specific needs of an organization or industry
  • Practice leadership in real-life situations without fearing failure.

Disadvantages:

  • Can be time-consuming and expensive.
  • Require participants to commit to several days, or even weeks, away from their work and families.
  • May not always translate well into real-world situations.
  • May not be suitable for all types of learners or personality types.

Coaching and Mentoring

Coaching and mentoring are two essential types of leadership training that can transform your organization’s operations.

Coaching is a one-on-one process where a coach provides guidance, feedback, and support to help individuals improve their performance. It involves setting goals, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and creating an action plan to achieve success.

A business coach has the expertise and experience needed to help you identify areas for improvement, set realistic targets, and develop strategies to hit them. Learn Why You Need a Business Coach.

Mentoring is a relationship between two people where a professional mentor shares knowledge, experiences, and insights with a less experienced mentee to help them grow professionally. Unlike coaching, which focuses on specific skills or behaviors, mentoring is more about developing the whole person.

Both coaching and mentoring offer unique benefits for individuals looking to build their leadership skills. Coaching helps develop specific skills needed for leadership roles, while mentoring offers guidance from someone who has already succeeded.

Advantages:

  • Provides personalized attention
  • Immediate feedback
  • Customized solutions to the individual’s specific needs
  • Mentoring can utilize your own staff
  • Each approach is tailored to you and your need at that time 
  • Develops critical skills like conflict resolution, communication, and delegation
  • Learn from experienced, seasoned professionals in their field
  • Promotes continuous learning and growth culture that supports personal development at all levels.

Disadvantages: 

  • Requires commitment and dedication to reap benefits fully

 

About the Author Ben Shaver

For over a decade, I've guided growing dental practices and groups on how to use leadership and communication to build referable teams and memorable brands.

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