Leaders’ Professional Development

I learned years ago that Al Pacino still took acting lessons and that Paul Simon took guitar lessons. Regardless of whether or not they are your favorites, I believe we can all agree that they’re masters of their craft and nonetheless they -- and many greats before them and since -- consider themselves perpetual students. Similarly, business leaders will never be too experienced or too senior not to need professional development. 

Notice that I said “need,” not “benefit from,” “use,” or other lightweight verbiage. That’s because senior-most leaders need professional development just as much as anyone else on their team. 

Understandably, leaders tend to believe that they don’t have the time for it; however, think about this: all of the actions, language, and decisions that leaders carry out -- or don't carry out -- have more impact on their company’s success than literally anyone else. Not to mention that as “the boss” they will always be doing things -- or not doing things -- that someone will not like.

They have the hardest job at their company managing expectations and outcomes in every conceivable direction. Professional development from a coach -- not just an advisor or mentor -- will make a massive difference in how you lead not just your company but also yourself in the directions that are most conducive to true success. 

Here are some quick thoughts on this topic that I strongly believe: 

• Allocating budget toward executive and senior leaders’ professional development is an investment in the company’s success.

• The people who work for and with leaders receiving such support will be more inclined to be developed themselves. 

• The resources invested in executive professional development are far less than what will be spent on correcting the mistakes or missteps that inevitably happen when they’re not intentionally working to evolve their leadership capacity. 

• Respectfully, leaders -- like the rest of us --know less than they think they do about how to manage and lead at all times. Input and even divergent thinking about their leadership dilemmas and opportunities will build humility, empathy, and resilience making them an even better leader and collaborator to those around them. 

BuildRise can help you put this concept to work at your company. Set up a time to meet with us HERE.