When it comes to developing new leaders, many organizations face a paradox. Thought it’s clear that first-level leaders need to jump into new roles quickly, they often aren’t provided the support they need to let go of doing and start managing.
It’s a challenge driven by two important dynamics. The first is self-awareness. For many new leaders, especially those transitioning into their first true leadership role, they simply don’t know what they don’t know. They are talented and confident at doing the work, but they may not appreciate the subtleties of coaching and delegating. Leadership at all levels is highly personal, and it’s only through experience that individuals come to understand their natural skill sets and blind spots. Once new leaders get a clearer sense of the challenges ahead, they’re often more willing to accept and appreciate the support that’s offered.
The second organizational dynamic is scale. Supporting first-level leaders requires coaching, mentoring, and development skills from the cadre leaders one level up. The problem is: These leaders are often new themselves, and experienced manager-coaches can be few and far between.
So, what can organizations do? For many of our clients, “paired development” using a business simulation is a powerful approach. Simulations telescope time and allow participants to experience cause and effect. Participants build almost immediate awareness of their strengths and development opportunities. In addition, through the experience they learn by doing and from each other—in a relatively short period of time.
And when organizations have first- and second-level leaders participate in simulations together, the experience allows everyone to benefit. It also develops coaching skills at both levels. From what we’ve seen, the results are impressive. First- and second-level leaders alike experience a large number of “aha!" moments in a high-impact, time-boxed setting—and take new working relationships and skills back to the job.
To learn more about our Developing New Leaders simulation-based leadership development programs, which enable new leaders to practice leadership skills in a risk-free environment, cultivate their abilities, and develop a perspective that will allow them to drive success, head to the Developing New Leaders page of our site.
