Leader development is an ongoing process that helps a person grow in both personal and professional ways. It requires leaders to evaluate their own capabilities and the way they interact with others. The results of these assessments are vital to the development of a leader. Leader development can include coaching, mentoring, or other forms of educational programs. It also can include personal opportunities that are tailored to the needs of the individual.
One way to define leadership development is to think of it as the process of becoming part of a culture and modifying it from within. This involves changing behavior, leading by example, and contributing to the culture. This process of change is a continuous process that involves testing different approaches, learning from them, and adjusting. As such, the concepts of personal development, team development, and organizational development are interrelated.
In addition to the development of personal qualities, leaders should also have self-awareness and self-regulation. These skills enable a leader to regulate his or her own actions and emotions. The self-awareness required for this skill is essential for effective self-motivation. Self-regulation and self-motivation are key skills for developing a leader.
Lastly, a leader development program must have structure. It must be designed so that the individual is better at his or her current role, and it should broaden their understanding of their place and role within the organization. People who understand why the program exists are more likely to be engaged in the process.