Targeted leadership development is becoming increasingly important, especially when it comes to building new skills that meet the demands of the modern working world. As an important part of this development, KIROI Step 9 supports managers in systematically expanding both their traditional leadership qualities and digital skills, particularly in dealing with artificial intelligence (AI).
Leadership development: The role of KIROI Step 9 in skills development
Leadership development is more than just a short-term training programme. KIROI Step 9 sees itself as an integrative building block that develops new competences in a holistic context. It not only imparts knowledge, but also promotes practical application. In addition to traditional methods such as seminars and workshops, innovative learning formats are used, such as coaching, mentoring and learning-on-the-job approaches.
An example from the manufacturing industry shows how managers can learn about and use AI-supported process optimisation through specially designed workshops. This not only improves efficiency, but also promotes a deeper understanding of digital transformation processes. In the IT sector, companies are increasingly focussing on executive coaching sessions that focus on ethical issues and the safe use of AI systems. In the service sector, individual coaching sessions are also helping to strengthen digital communication skills, which are particularly essential for hybrid teams.
This practice-orientated management development with a focus on new skills leads to managers becoming more capable of taking action and actively shaping the transformation in their companies.
Practical methods for the sustainable development of new leadership skills
KIROI Step 9 utilises a combination of formal and informal learning processes. For example, coaching enables individual support in which managers learn to critically scrutinise AI-supported tools and use them in a targeted manner. Companies also rely on mentoring programmes in which experienced managers pass on their knowledge of digital technologies. A particular focus is on reverse mentoring, in which younger employees open up new digital perspectives to older members of management.
Learning on the job and job rotation effectively complement these approaches. For example, managers in the pharmaceutical industry gain practical experience by testing AI-based applications directly in their day-to-day work in various areas. In the financial sector, job rotation programmes serve to familiarise managers with various departments and thus create a more comprehensive understanding of digital implementations.
The support provided by these methods ensures that not only professional skills are expanded, but that personal development and self-reflection are also promoted - essential aspects of modern management development.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A medium-sized IT service company implemented a management development programme comprising online modules on AI basics and workshops on the ethical use of AI. This was supplemented by individual coaching that enabled managers to apply new AI skills directly in current projects. This led to noticeable innovations in customer service and significantly improved team dynamics.
Tips for successfully implementing new leadership skills
Successful management development should always include clearly structured development plans that are tailored to individual needs and company goals. The combination of face-to-face and digital learning formats enables flexible and sustainable skills development.
Companies from the mechanical engineering sector report that regular feedback and 360-degree analyses help to make progress in skills development transparent and to manage it in a targeted manner. In counselling, managers are increasingly relying on peer coaching, which promotes the exchange of experience and knowledge and creates spaces for reflection. Service providers are emphasising the importance of hybrid training formats in order to lead authentically and effectively in digital working environments.
It is equally important to promote a corporate culture that encourages learning, in which mistakes are seen as opportunities for further development. This is the only way to ensure the added value of management development in the long term and react flexibly to current challenges.
My analysis
Today, leadership development with a view to new competences requires an integrative and practical approach. KIROI Step 9 offers a promising framework for strengthening digital and social skills in parallel. It is crucial to tailor the measures to the individual needs of managers and to support them with ongoing guidance, for example through coaching and mentoring. In this way, managers can not only be prepared for traditional management tasks, but also master the challenges of digital transformation with confidence.
Further links from the text above:
Leadership development: With KIROI Step 9 to the competence elite
KIROI Step 9: Leadership development with AI expertise
How can leadership development succeed? - Methods, concepts
For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us or read more blog posts on the topic Artificial intelligence here.
Deutsch 
English (UK)