March 2007

Leadership and Learning

Leadership development has always been one of the most important jobs of learning professionals. But recently it’s taken on even more importance. Because of the pressures of global competition and the need to lead differently than in the past when command and control was king, leadership development has many definitions and takes many forms.

Some experts define leadership development as the training needed to help managers motivate, hire, communicate, retain, inspire, discipline, evaluate, and coach employees. Others define the term broadly as teaching executives the unique skills they need to be dynamic leaders who can adapt and make the best decisions, regardless of conditions. Still others use leadership development to maximize the changing demographics of the workforce.

Many baby boomers are making plans to change their employment status—some will retire, others will work part-time, and still others will continue working—while younger generations approach work with different attitudes and expectations. All of this has implications for leadership development, especially if younger workers supervise older workers.

Whatever your definition or the reality of leadership in your organization, there is no denying that it plays a key role in business success. This month, T+D looks at two aspects of this changing area of expertise. The cover story examines the lack of women in leadership positions (see page 32), while another feature looks at how Becton, Dickinson and Company uses storytelling to build Noel Tichy’s “teachable points of view” among up-and-coming executives (see page 48).

Two other features cite firsthand accounts from company executives to describe the leader-advisor relationship (see page 40) and the role of trainers as business partners in developing leaders (see page 62). The product section highlights top leadership websites, magazines, and videos to help you support your leadership programs.

Leadership development has never been more important, because in the words of author Edgar Powell: “No organization is stronger than the quality of its leadership.”

Paula Ketter
Editor, T+D
pketter@astd.org

FEATURES

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
The Invisible Wall
By Michael Laff
Most observers are discouraged about the progress women have made in reaching the executive level.
FREE PDF

COACHING
Match Made!
By Clare Novak
High-energy leader-advisor partnerships renew and inspire.
PURCHASE ARTICLE

DESIGNING LEARNING
The Rock and the Fish: Teachable Points of View for Leadership
By Edward Betof
Becton Dickinson’s leadership development program stresses teachable points of view.
PURCHASE ARTICLE

BUILDING TRUST
Lies About Consultants and Vendors
By Charlene J. Zeiberg
Before signing a contract with a consultant or vendor, you should be aware of the sweeping statements vendors make and how you can interpret them.
PURCHASE ARTICLE

APPLYING BUSINESS ACUMEN
Tips From the Top
Learning executives from some top companies share their strategies for being good business partners.
PURCHASE ARTICLE

DELIVERING TRAINING
Training in a Risky Industry
By Jenni Jarventaus
The need for well-trained insurers became evident after the record-setting hurricane season of 2005.
PURCHASE ARTICLE

Executive Summaries

DEPARTMENTS

INTELLIGENCE
The Skills Fallout
The nuclear science and engineering industry is desperate to find, train, and retain a new generation of workers.
FREE PDF

RE:SEARCH
The Myth of Multitasking
Many people say they multitask, but not everyone should be.
FREE PDF

TECHNOLOGY
Informal Knowledge Transfer
As the importance of informal knowledge transfer grows, companies are looking to communities of practice for help.
PURCHASE ARTICLE

FUNDAMENTALS
Blogging Shines New Light on Corporate Culture
Organizations are beginning to wrestle with the power of blogging while attempting to establish protocols.
PURCHASE ARTICLE

DEVELOPMENT
Dealing with Blunders
Successful speakers understand that their imperfections are paths to trust, help, and collaboration with others.
PURCHASE ARTICLE

IN EVERY ISSUE

WHAT THINGS COST
What does Leadership Development cost?
FREE PDF

THE LONG VIEW
T+D profiles Elaine Biech, President and managing principal of ebb associates in Norfolk, Virginia.  
FREE PDF
  
BOOKS
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