What is a Leadership Development Plan?

A leadership development plan is a tool used by organisations to support the growth and development of their leaders. A good plan should be tailored to the individual leader and should align with the organisation's overall goals and objectives.

What are the 10 Key Components every plan should have?

Here are ten elements that a good leadership development plan should include:

1. A clear definition of the leadership competencies that are required for success in the organisation. This could include things like strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration.

2. A detailed assessment of the current strengths and weaknesses of the individual leader. This should be based on feedback from the leader's manager, peers, and direct reports, as well as self-assessment.

3. Specific goals and objectives for the leader's development. These should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

4. A range of development activities and experiences that will support the leader in achieving their goals. This could include things like training courses, mentoring, and job shadowing.

5. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions between the leader and their manager to track progress and address any challenges.

6. A plan for how the leader's development will be integrated into their day-to-day work, including specific responsibilities and projects.

7. Support and resources from the organisation, including access to coaching, networking opportunities, and professional development funds.

8. Regular evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the leadership development plan and make any necessary adjustments.

9. A plan for how the leader's development will be recognized and rewarded within the organisation.

10. A timeline for the leadership development plan, including milestones and deadlines.

Overall, a good leadership development plan should be comprehensive, tailored to the individual leader, and aligned with the organisation's goals and objectives. By investing in the development of their leaders, organisations can foster a culture of continuous learning and growth, ultimately leading to improved performance and success.

Next Steps

Want to learn more about leadership development? Check out these articles:

Leadership development - What is it and Why does it matter?

Leadership Development Areas - 10 Sets of Skills Every Leaders Needs

To find out how PerformanceNinja could help you build a leadership development programme, book a free strategy call or take a look at our Leadership Accelerator.