Leadership development is a central component of modern corporate strategies. It supports companies in specifically developing leaders and systematically expanding their competencies to meet increasing demands. Step 9 of the KIROI concept, in particular, emphasizes targeted competency development to sustainably strengthen leaders and prepare them for future challenges.
Leadership development through targeted competence building: an integrative approach
The core of success in leadership development lies in the combination of various learning methods that foster competencies in practice and in a theoretical context. Many companies therefore rely on a mix of formal training, individual coaching programmes, and practical training. For example, banks integrate tailor-made workshops with systemic coaching to deepen leadership skills within a team context. At the same time, technology companies use rotation programmes so that their leaders can understand different company areas and act flexibly. Companies from the manufacturing sector also often value 360-degree feedback to bring together self-perception and external assessment, thereby building on strengths in a targeted way.
These diverse measures enable individual development, taking into account both professional and social competencies. The basis for this is a structured competency model that identifies the key qualifications for effective leadership. Examples include decision-making competence, communication skills, conflict management, and a willingness to innovate. For instance, an internationally operating industrial group has supported its managers in successfully leading transformations and motivating employees through changes by providing targeted training in change management.
Practical methods for supporting managers
One of the most effective approaches to leadership development is coaching. In the automotive sector, renowned companies use systemic coaching to strengthen leaders in their role within the organisational structure and to overcome complex challenges. Creative techniques such as visualisations help to unlock new perspectives. An example from the IT sector shows that goal-oriented coaching using the GROW model empowers leaders to formulate clear objectives and develop actionable strategies to drive projects forward effectively.
Mentoring is an ideal complement to coaching. In the pharmaceutical industry, there are established programmes where experienced leaders pass on their knowledge and guide younger colleagues on their journey. Similarly, reverse mentoring programmes are gaining importance, for example in media companies, where younger leaders impart digital and cultural competencies to strengthen the entire leadership level.
BEST PRACTICE with one customer (name hidden due to NDA contract) A large service company has supported its junior managers through a systematic 360-degree feedback process and subsequently implemented individual coaching plans. This combination helped to identify specific development potentials and address them in a practical way. The managers reported a significant improvement in their communication and decision-making skills within six months.
Continuing Professional Development: Structured Learning Formats for Sustainable Development
In addition to individually tailored coaching, structured seminars and workshops are important pillars of executive development. Insurance companies, for example, offer regular training courses focusing on topics such as compliance and ethical leadership. Technology companies use online courses to impart knowledge independently of time and place, thus creating synergies with traditional in-person events. Large corporations in the consumer goods industry are also increasingly relying on blended learning formats, which combine in-person and digital elements, to further develop a broad range of leadership competencies.
It is important that such formats are not seen as one-off events, but as part of a continuous learning process. In the construction industry, it is evident that employees often apply what they have learned directly in their day-to-day projects after further training, thereby achieving efficiency gains.
Leadership Development: Insights from Practice
Practice shows that managers often want to work on topics such as conflict resolution, time management, and employee motivation. In the healthcare sector, clients frequently report the challenge of reconciling differing needs within the team while simultaneously adhering to legal requirements. A medium-sized company in mechanical engineering, in turn, relies on consistent feedback management to strengthen managers' ability to reflect and improve their handling of complex decision-making situations. Another example from the aviation industry shows how structured rotation programmes not only broaden technical understanding but also strengthen networking within the company.
Another impulse from KIROI Step 9 is the linking of competency building with individual development plans. This supports managers in systematically documenting their learning progress and working purposefully on their areas of development. Particularly in dynamic markets, such as the financial services sector, this methodology helps to keep pace with the variety of new challenges.
My analysis
Leadership development through competence building proves to be an essential success factor for companies. The targeted combination of coaching, mentoring, seminars, and practical learning phases promotes sustainable and individual development. Leaders benefit from increased self-confidence, improved communication skills, and greater flexibility in dealing with change processes. Thus, leadership development not only supports the personal development of individual leaders but also contributes significantly to the stability and innovative strength of entire organisations.
Further links from the text above:
How to achieve successful leadership development? – Methods, …
Coaching methods for everyday leadership
Leadership Development: Methods & Practical Tips
Leadership Development: Methods and Concepts
Leadership Development: The HR Guide
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