for a more outwardly focussed approach .
If we are going to support our SME leaders to be more outwardly focussed, we need to consider rethinking the standard leadership development curriculum.
Many leaders do not have the resources available to complete an MBA, or a formal qualification. However, there is still much that can be achieved to deliver an alternative approach.
Study Tours
Many MBA courses involve study tours to a broad range of different countries. However, a leader can learn a great deal from another leader, who may operate in their own country. Shorter leadership programmes could benefit from including a tour of different companies in their own area providing an opportunity to learn from different leaders in a range of sectors.
Leadership Mentoring
Valuable and practical leadership lessons can also be learned from blending a mentoring scheme with training room learning. Training providers could set these up linking up with local leaders and encouraging mentoring collaborations with leaders working together for mutual benefit. This option was introduced in the education system in the UK with much success.
Webinars by Local Leaders
Working to a pre-set design, with the learning linked to classroom learning. Local leaders might provide a practical, 30 minute webinar for SME leaders in their local community.
Leader Wellbeing
Being a leader of a small SME can be a very lonely and isolated place to be, particularly when challenged by the economy. Providing leaders with a range of different learning and supportive learning will also have an impact on their wellbeing, the value of which is not to be underestimated.
I am sure there are other development options we might consider to provide a more outwardly looking leadership development curriculum. I would be very interested to hear what other providers are doing to address this situation.
Kasmin Cooney is Managing Director at Righttrack Consultancy. In 2011, she was awarded an OBE for services to Training & Export. She is renowned for her extensive, international experience in Learning & Development, cutting edge ideas and highly creative approach.
http://www.righttrackconsultancy.co.uk
Leadership