6 Ways Organizations Can Nurture Their Leadership Pipeline
As organizations face accelerated disruption in a digital era, many are looking to leverage their most powerful resource to solve the problems of today and tomorrow: their people. And while 42% of organizations cite leadership development training as a top priority, 77% are currently facing a leadership gap. To prepare for the inevitable turnover of today’s higher-ups, organizations are looking for ways to empower the next generation to eventually step into key positions.
Here are six ways your organization can nurture its leadership pipeline.
1. Teach the power of storytelling
The ability to connect with the hearts and minds of people through storytelling is a critical skill for tomorrow’s leaders to develop. It can help translate the complex, build trust, and inspire action. Whether you’re looking to engage your organization, inspire virtual employees, or just connect with someone one-on-one to build a relationship, you can use storytelling. Check out this recent Adweek article to learn more about how to empower people at every level of your organization to better leverage this universal language.
2. Give them a challenge
While it can be difficult to find the balance between pushing too far and bringing out the best possible performance, your future leaders need adequate space to succeed. Setting high, yet achievable standards can give your high potentials a chance to step up to the occasion while developing the confidence they need to grow. If they misstep, remember that failure can be a necessary step to cultivating true leadership potential.
3. Start a mentorship program
Did you know that 63% of millennials feel that their leadership skills are not being fully developed by their employers? A quality mentorship program can improve an organization’s leadership development plan while fostering engagement at every level of the leadership pipeline. This type of hands-on guidance from those who have ample experience within your organization is one of the best ways to nurture your high potentials. You can also embrace mentorship opportunities for senior leaders, with Executive Partners or through executive coaching.
4. Develop the skills that matter
According to Harvard Business Review, “the qualities that leaders in today’s world need are intuitive, dynamic, collaborative, and grounded in here-and-now emotional intelligence.” While technical skills are important, study after study shows that organizations that prioritize communication skills training will see the highest return on their investment. To eventually lead a team towards transformation, your high potentials will need to prioritize inner transformation first and foremost.
5. Offer cross-training opportunities
There is no better way to help your future leaders understand the full scope of a business than to encourage exploration of other departments. By stepping outside of their comfort zones, your future leaders will gain firsthand knowledge into each working part of the business engine. This kind of exposure to other aspects of the business can also spark innovative and creative thinking for future leaders.
6. Help them embrace change
Change is constant. To succeed, your future leaders must learn to adjust to the ever-evolving conditions around them. The best way to help them prepare to thrive under these uncertain conditions is to provide opportunities to apply their skills through learning experiences.
A sustainable leadership pipeline is critical for any organization looking to prosper long term. Ariel helps people develop the skills and confidence to make a true impact at every level of an organization. To learn more about our custom leadership training and development programs, reach out to our team today.
