Why leadership development plays a key role today
Leadership development is becoming increasingly important in view of the rapid changes in business and society. Companies are faced with the challenge of providing managers with targeted support so that they can master agile working methods, complex project requirements and the digital transformation with confidence. This is not just about specialist knowledge, but above all about promoting the social and methodological skills that make up future-proof leadership.
The 9 competences as a central building block of management development
A structured approach to management development is based on a total of nine core competences that help managers make significant progress in their day-to-day work and in the implementation of projects. These competences include strong communication skills, conflict management, decisiveness and the ability to manage change. They form the framework for acting flexibly and effectively in dynamic working environments.
In practice, it has been shown that managers who continuously develop these skills can respond more precisely to the needs of their teams and thus promote a positive working atmosphere. The development of these skills is particularly crucial in industries with high innovation requirements, such as the automotive industry or the IT sector.
Practical methods support the development of expertise
Leadership development encompasses a wide range of methods - from traditional training courses to digital learning formats and immersive simulations. Role plays and practical exercises offer managers the opportunity to realistically practise negotiations or conflict situations, for example. This practical learning noticeably strengthens their ability to act in everyday situations.
Digital tools such as VR training in combination with AI scenarios are also becoming increasingly important. They prepare managers for the challenges of changing and complex situations and promote the ability to manage uncertainty.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at DEF (name changed due to NDA contract) A technology company used immersive VR training to prepare managers for rapidly changing market conditions. The training enabled participants to deal with dynamic changes more calmly and flexibly and to try out new strategies in safe practice scenarios.
The importance of reflection and feedback in leadership development
Reflection and feedback are important elements in leadership development in order to promote sustainable improvement. Managers benefit from feedback from different perspectives, for example through feedback programmes that involve different hierarchical levels and employees.
This approach supports self-awareness and opens up new perspectives on your own leadership behaviour. Regular reflection also helps to better anchor learning steps and promotes adaptability to changing requirements.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at GHI (name changed due to NDA contract) A manager in a medium-sized company received individual support over several months. Intensive coaching and feedback helped to expand digital skills and optimise the management of hybrid teams. The manager reported that she felt more confident in communicating changes better and strengthening team cohesion at the same time.
Specific challenges and opportunities for leadership development in the digital transformation
The digital transformation presents managers with complex challenges that require special skills development. It is about using digital tools strategically, leading virtual teams and promoting a culture of openness to innovation. Managers play an important role in this by accompanying change processes and navigating their team through uncertainties.
This skills development is often accompanied by targeted impulses that not only impart knowledge, but also contribute to self-reflection and confidence in action.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at ABC (name changed due to NDA contract) A technology start-up developed a special framework for junior managers with the support of a skills programme. The focus here was on recognising individual potential and at the same time building up skills that strengthen their ability to deal with the digital working world. Feedback and regular practical workshops ensured that learning content was directly applied and deepened.
How individual support can effectively support managers
Successful management development is often characterised by continuous and individual support for managers. Coaching and mentoring offer a suitable framework for providing targeted impetus and supporting development processes. The aim is not to prescribe solutions, but to enable managers to find and implement their own answers.
Many managers report that such support helps them to understand their role more clearly and significantly increases their self-efficacy. Motivation in the team is also increased because the manager acts as an equal and leads authentically.
KIROI BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) In a medium-sized company, a group of young managers was prepared with individualised coaching support. The targeted work on communication and conflict resolution skills boosted their self-confidence and helped them to successfully take on new projects. The participants described how the structured approach helped them to feel more confident in complex situations.
My analysis
Leadership development with a clear focus on comprehensive skills development is currently an indispensable support for meeting the expectations of modern leadership. A targeted concept such as the 9-competences model offers orientation and practical assistance, complemented by a variety of methods and individual support. In dynamic industries in particular, it is clear how important it is to be strong not only professionally, but also socially and methodologically. Regular reflection and the exchange of leadership experiences promote sustainable development that not only strengthens managers themselves, but also entire teams and organisations.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Leadership development: Targeted competence development with KIROI 9 ...
[2] Competence of a manager - Leadership element
[4] KIROI 9: Leadership development through targeted ...
[5] KIROI step 9: Leadership development through AI expertise
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