What is "leader development"?

The concept of leader development focuses on enhancing an individual’s capacity to lead and influence others effectively. It goes beyond merely assessing performance or encouraging competition among leaders; instead, it prioritizes the growth of skills, knowledge, and behaviors that foster effective leadership. This development process involves training, mentoring, and various experiential learning opportunities that cultivate a leader's abilities to motivate teams, make sound decisions, and navigate challenges, ultimately contributing to organizational success.

The significance of this definition lies in its emphasis on continuous improvement and personal growth, as opposed to static evaluations or physical training programs. While performance assessments and physical aspects of training may play roles in a leader's overall effectiveness, the core of leader development is rooted in preparing individuals to take on leadership roles and positively impact those they lead.