Do you know anyone who has a College Degree in Leadership?
Something that I find absolutely fascinating is when there is a job opening, typically there is a very specific descriptive of the job itself. They have the requirements applicants need to have at a minimum years to even be considered for an interview.
As the position open moves higher up in the organization each aspect, both the requirements of the role and the background or education, are strongly adhered to a certain number of year doing this and a specific degree. One of my favorites ‘MBA in Finance preferred’ clearly a chute if you are experienced in the game Chutes and Ladders – my opinion is, by the way, to the detriment of the organization – a cultural fit beats almost all of these requirements hands down – a discussion for another day.
With all of these facts as background, why are people placed in roles where they will be leading others and yet they have not developed or even given much thought to the skills necessary to be effective leaders?
Effective leaders – note I did not say great leaders or good leaders – simply effective leaders
In other words at the very least an average leader. In addition, how is it that in the interview process exploring where the candidate has led others before does not happen often? Or at the very least as part of the interview process maybe an assessment is given on their leadership style and additionally the applicant is asked a series of questions which would explore their leadership abilities?
You certainly know the story by examples you have seen in your own experience.
The top person in sales who for years has crushed the numbers is promoted because of their sales results, year after year, to be the Vice President of sales when the opening happens. The person is flattered by the position. In less than two years they crash and burn plus they sorely miss the action of being in sales.
No one in the organization mentored the person on how to be a leader. No one said you should take this course or read this book, or go to a training, or work with a leadership development coach. Not one person in the organization said a word, further there is no formal process within the organization to offer any advice to anyone on developing effective leaders.
What do you think all of this lack of communication and thought process cost the organization?
Would you like to make matters worse? As the need for a person to fill a position in the organization moves up the organizational chart and the requirement become ever higher in title and responsibility, the questions about leadership should be ever more present – common sense right?
Apparently not as it is not written up that way and there are even less questions or follow ups on the candidates in terms of their leadership qualities and styles. EVEN LESS!
How is this possible?
The focus is on ROI directly attributed to money and financial results. Meanwhile, a leader who is leading and pouring into the next level of leaders by challenging them and grooming them to become leaders has done more to solidify the future of the organization than obtaining a few quarters of green arrow results financially.
Want to discuss the leadership development process or lack thereof in your organization? Want to get moving in the right direction and develop leaders in your organization? CONTACT MITCH HERE to set up a call with Mitch.
Mitch Tublin is the CEO and Founder of Wenkroy International LLC a boutique consulting company with a main focus on Strategic Business Consulting, Training and Business Coaching. Our passion is to take people to the next level in their life and in their business. Are you interested in having Mitch speak at your company or event – click here
