Actually, I didn’t state that leadership skills are like technical skills – completely different. I don’t think everything in the list of possible ways to increase skills and build knowledge is considered traditional; and I don’t believe everything always works for everyone.

What are some ways you believe work to build leadership-type skills? Would love your thoughts. I’m sure this list could be added to.

I have not read the book you mentioned, but will pick it up – sounds interesting.

Thanks,
Gina

Have you read Heifetz’ “Leadership without Easy Answers”? It helped me frame many incomplete approaches to basic leadership.

-ski

I do like the “on the job” option; must admit though – wondered about if it might be considered too risky. Thought long and hard before including it; but realized I have learned many skills that way myself!

Thanks for your comment!

Best,
Gina

Another thought provoking topic … or, at least my response will be.

I’m sure, as a training professional (and developer of training programs), you’d expect me to say that people develop leadership skills through well developed and engaging training programs, and they do. But I must say that I like some of the options you list above much better.

For instance, I like the coaching/mentoring duo because they bring us back to the “good ole” apprenticeship model that has worked so well with so many skills … leadership skills included. It’s even Biblical. If you look at King David’s early years, he was first a harp player for King Saul. What better way to learn how to be King than to watch another King’s successes and failures from the front row?

But I have to say that I believe the best option you listed above is the “on-the-job” option. I believe leadership demands decisiveness and decisiveness comes from experience. I also believe leadership requires good judgement, good judgement comes from experience, and experience comes from poor judgement.

To succeed as a leader you need to attempt new things. Leadership is all about taking risks. If your life is free of failure, you aren’t much of a leader.

Your thoughts?

Ron

Will sign up on Employee Engagement Network to “friend” you on it. Looking forward to staying in touch with you. Following you on Twitter also.

Best,
Gina

Thanks for adding my blogg to your RSS reader.

I’ll check out the Employee Engagement Network you mention in your comment. Will also check our your blog post!

Thanks for putting my blog in your RSS Feed; I have done the same with yours.

Let’s share information!

Best,
Gina

I have not tried Webinars/Podcasts/Webcasts yet, I do not know why. Maybe I should make this a goal for this week to find out more about this. Thanks for the links on the topic, I will try them out. Your blog is getting into my RSS feed as we speak. Keep up the great work.

Frode H.