New knowledge, insights, technology and working practices all inform leadership development. Like any other area of intellectual enquiry and practical application, it’s a dynamic field with leadership development trends evolving over time. This is a particularly exciting time when it comes to leadership development as older ideas are being challenged, and new ways of thinking are becoming more mainstream.
What are some of the current leadership development trends to look out for?
What are the current trends in leadership?
Leadership development trends tend to be influenced by wider social and workplace changes. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a widespread move towards more flexible and remote working, and this is reflected in some of the current leadership development trends that are coming to prominence.
What are the leadership development trends for 2023?
Emotional intelligence
Increasingly emotional intelligence is coming to be valued in leaders and are playing a key part in leadership development programs. Leaders who are able to connect with and understand their team members on an emotional level are more likely to build trust, foster collaboration, and inspire commitment.
Remote work and virtual leadership
The pandemic has accelerated the trend towards remote work, and many leaders are now managing teams that are distributed across multiple locations. Leaders will need to develop new skills and strategies for managing remote teams, building trust, and fostering collaboration in a virtual environment.
Agility & Adaptability
The past few years have shown the importance of business flexibility, resilience and agility. Effective leaders need to be able to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Leaders who are able to be agile and adaptable, and who can think creatively and strategically, are more likely to be successful in navigating uncertainty and driving innovation.
Tech & AI
Technology has long been at the heart of leadership development with new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) opening up new opportunities and methods of learning. It’s already being used to provide personalised and immersive learning experiences, support coaching and mentoring, performance analytics, and assess leadership skills and potential.
Developing inclusive cultures
There is growing recognition of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, and many organisations are making DEI a priority. Effective leaders will need to be able to create a culture of inclusion and develop strategies for recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse workforce. This concern is increasingly being reflected in leadership development trends.
Personalised Learning
Personalised learning is a leadership development trend that involves tailoring learning experiences to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual. Personalised learning recognizes that different people have different learning styles, preferences, and strengths, and that one-size-fits-all training programs may not be effective for everyone.
What leadership development areas are managers focusing on in 2023?
A focus on personal development
By focusing on manager personal development, organisations can create a culture of continuous learning and growth and develop managers who are better equipped to lead their teams. Personal development can also help managers to develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence, which are critical skills for effective leadership.
Collaborative teamwork
Collaborative teamwork is a leadership development trend that focuses on building high-performing teams through collaboration and teamwork. The trend recognizes that effective leadership is not just about the individual leader, but also about the team that the leader manages and works with.
What leadership development areas are employees focusing on in 2023?
Continuous development
Continuous development for employees can develop a workforce that is better equipped to handle the challenges of today's rapidly changing business environment. Continuous development can also improve employee engagement and retention, as well as drive innovation and growth within the organisation.
Effective communication
Effective communication for employees is a leadership development trend that focuses on improving the communication skills of employees at all levels of an organization. The trend recognizes that effective communication is essential for building strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving organisational goals.
Get ahead of the leadership development trends with Leadership Success
At Leadership Success, we’ve always integrated the best new learning and development techniques into our leadership development programs. We use technology to deliver personalised leadership training that meets the needs of the individual in the contemporary workplace.
To find out more about our programs and how we can help, get in touch with one of our expert coaches today.
