Most Leadership Training Does Not Work (and Here's Why)
Nov 23, 2023
Wow, that is quite a claim!
Unfortunately it's true.
If you're a leader and have attend training sessions you probably know what I'm talking about.
Years ago, during my corporate career I had those - and went out believing I could tackle all sort of stuff now.
Have the difficult conversation.
Delegate successfully.
Have people follow my lead.
Make a team successful.
Because I was taught all the tools. But strangely enough it did not work. Or best case, only in some, few cases.
Either I forgot the "tools" when I was stressed and fell into my old patterns OR I used them mechanically as taught and got a completely different (emotional, unexpected) reaction than I was supposed to, which then threw me.
And here's already the crux.
So the short answer to WHY most leadership training is useless : "Tools" without considering the human element, the body, the soul and the HOW on a deeper level are pointless and a waste of money and time.
Recently, I was asked to hold a training for "How to master difficult conversations for leaders", and the corporate client had specific ideas about the content.
When I saw it, I realized that an essential part was missing: How to address and deal with the emotional aspect of conversations.
They wanted "tools".
A framework.
Steps to follow.
Nothing wrong with that per se. There is a huge BUT though.
I've seen that numerous times when attending training or looking into the majority of leadership training.
And it NEVER yields the desired results for the people - nor the organisation and they all wonder why I spent money/time on this training if it doesn't work in real life.
GOOD QUESTION - BUT THE WRONG ONE.
The better question would be: HOW CAN I MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE WALK OUT OF TRAINING WITH REAL & SUSTAINABLE RESULTS?
And here comes the BUT: Most corporates don't ask this but look at superficial training without addressing the heart of the issue, making most of them utterly useless.
It's like throwing a bunch of seeds (=tools) on concrete and expecting them to grow.
If I throw the seeds out on a prepared piece of soil (= the foundation) - and nourish, water and fertilize them (=practice & implement consistently) ONLY THEN I can expect to achieve my desired results.
Often, what's underlying takes more time to look at or create.
Often, what's underlying is rather uncomfortable and takes courage to look at.
Often, in business, we shy away from addressing any other part of us than our intellect.
But NOBODY can escape bringing all of us into the working world. Our heart, our soul, our emotions, our fears and insecurities, our hopes and dreams. Even if we don't admit it.
So we try to stay "neutral", and factual, think away and avoid feeling. And learn "tools" to manage challenges.
Most leadership training does not go deep enough.
Does not address those incredibly human factors, (also fearing that it's "not professional").
THAT is why most training is useless or at least not sustainable.
Those human parts will find their way to be seen. And often in the most inopportune moments unless we deal with them.
So - if you're looking for leadership training (or coaching) for yourself or your team, dare to pick those trainers who address the deep, foundational topics and help you or your staff create a foundation they can build on. And huge parts of that foundation are to be found in your heart and soul.
The ones who keep ignoring these aspects will either run into personal or professional issues eventually - been there, done that and witnessed it numerous times.
Let's bring more of the human element into coaching and training. I promise it'll be worth it.
PS: we modified the training for the media company, and added more of the missing part - a great step in the right direction!
PPS: Want a training or coaching that really works? Send me a mail at [email protected] and let's talk.
