Leadership development is a key building block for sustainable corporate success. It helps managers to develop their skills in a targeted manner and to better master challenges in their day-to-day work. KIROI Step 9 in particular focuses on the systematic development of competences. This is not just about knowledge transfer, but about the holistic development of personality, leadership style and team skills.
Why leadership development is indispensable today
Companies are constantly facing new challenges. Digitalisation, agile forms of work and a growing focus on values and sustainability are changing the demands on leadership. Leadership development helps to actively shape these changes. It promotes the ability to motivate teams, resolve conflicts and think strategically.
Many managers report that they often feel overwhelmed in their role. They would like more support with communication, dealing with stress and developing a clear vision for their team. Leadership development offers targeted impulses and accompanies the process of personal and professional development.
Leadership development: methods and approaches
There are many ways to promote managers. The choice of method depends on individual needs and the company's objectives. Seminars, workshops and e-learning formats are frequently used. These provide a good basis for imparting knowledge and training new skills.
One example is the classic management training programme, which covers topics such as communication, conflict management and team leadership. Rotation programmes are also popular. Here, managers move to other departments for a certain period of time in order to gain a broader view of the company's processes.
Another approach is coaching. Here, an external person works with the manager on specific challenges. This can be, for example, improving self-reflection, developing leadership skills or overcoming conflicts.
Practical methods of leadership development
Practice-orientated methods such as action learning and project work are particularly effective. Here, managers work in small groups on real challenges facing the company. They learn to develop solutions and strengthen their team skills at the same time.
One example is collaboration in interdisciplinary teams that work together to optimise business processes. Mentoring is also a tried and tested method. Experienced managers pass on their knowledge and experience to younger colleagues.
Another approach is reverse mentoring. Here, experienced managers learn from younger employees, for example in the area of digitalisation or new technologies. This promotes the exchange of knowledge and openness to new ideas.
Leadership development: best practices from the field
Many companies rely on a mix of different methods. For example, they combine training with coaching and mentoring. This enables holistic development and takes into account the individual needs of managers.
Another example is the use of feedback tools. Here, managers receive regular feedback from colleagues, employees and superiors. This helps to recognise strengths and areas for development and to work on them in a targeted manner.
The integration of digital learning platforms is also an important trend. Here, managers can learn individually and flexibly. They have access to a wide range of courses, exercises and interactive content.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A comprehensive management development programme was launched in a medium-sized company. It combined internal training, external coaching sessions and regular feedback sessions. The managers reported a significant improvement in their communication skills and greater motivation within the team. The combination of theory and practice was perceived as particularly valuable.
My analysis
Leadership development is not a one-off project, but a continuous process. It supports managers in expanding their competences and better mastering challenges in their day-to-day work. By using different methods and approaches, holistic development can be promoted. It is particularly important to tailor the measures to individual needs and the company's objectives.
Further links from the text above:
Management development methods at Randstad
Management coaching with Element Leadership
Management development at Forum-Verlag
Leadership development: The best methods at Softgarden
Leadership Development - Concept Methods Definition at Rainmaker Society
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