Leadership Development

In my opinion, the best leadership development programs are sponsored by the organizations top dogs (General Managers, Executives, etc.), yet they are managed by HR. Typically, HR has been schooled in the technical aspects of training and development, which attributes to learning opportunities that target development.  Managing this function also allows them to tie training and development into various aspects of the performance management initiatives.  For instance, another function HR is responsible for is the employment of performance reviews.  Holding responsibility for both functions would produce a natural tie to one another.  It may look something like this: As HR sets forth to initiate the performance review cycle they would tie training and development initiatives into various stages of that process.  

Yet, on the other hand, when it comes to maximizing the training and development outcomes, top leaders are needed.  They establish a level of importance to the program HR cannot.  They hold credibility for knowing and understanding the operation of the business and what is needed to advance into top positions.  They are also important for coaching, evaluating and providing feedback in areas the employee is developing in or working on. The partnership between HR and a company’s top dog hold real potential for creating a training and development program that not only offers learning opportunities that increase skills and provide opportunities for advancement, but they contribute to real possibilities for producing a credible program that is valued by all who are involved.

Some years ago, I had an opportunity to be a part of crafting a training and development program for a group of leaders.  Although the leaders involved in this program expressed enjoyment and satisfaction of the opportunities presented, their approach and increased desire to learn as well as willingness to apply their learning came as a direct result of the role their Manager and the General Manager placed on the opportunity.  Through the assistance of HR, the top dogs tied the individual development opportunities to the performance evaluation process, pay increases, and promotions.  The partnership was a great example of what a team can accomplish.