Why Most Leadership Training Fails

Training is a Process

Turning a group of employees into a high performance team doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, commitment, patience and a belief that the effort is worth it. When I begin to work with an organization, I know it takes time to change that culture. It’s the reason I have a process-drive approach to leadership development. Because millions of dollars are wasted each year on leadership training that has no impact on culture, it’s imperative to understand why leadership training fails to achieve business results.

1. Leadership Training Fails When It’s Viewed As An Event

If it’s only an event, the impact is negligible. One event doesn’t make you a great leader. Mastering leadership skills takes repetition and consistent application. Leadership training demands more than an event, it requires a process.

2. Leadership Training Fails When It Doesn’t Develop Emotional Intelligence

Every organization is in the people business. You hire people, sell and provide services to people and partner with people. You are in the people business. Because people have feelings, learning to manage yourself in a way that brings out the best in people takes a high degree of emotional intelligence.

3. Leadership Training Fails When There Is No Accountability

If training initiatives do not require leaders to become accountable for what they’ve learned, it’s a waste of time and money. Without feedback and accountability, people slip back into old habits and nothing changes. Creating change in people is done relationally. This is why I need a coach.

The Culture You Create Determines The Results You Achieve

Creating a high-trust, high-performance culture requires training. It’s training that’s intentional and process-driven. It’s not a one-time leadership class but an on-going developmental process that brings out the best in you and your team.