8 steps to leadership development

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Leadership development can feel somewhat dependent on external factors — a supervisor assigning you a responsibility, an employer investing in your development, or a mentor offering their time. While these opportunities are invaluable, waiting for them is not the only way to find leadership opportunities. Like any other skill, leadership is one that can — and should — be actively developed, and if you’d like to be a better leader, it's time to take action if you want to close that gap. This blog will help you create personalized leadership development program that will enable you to take control of your growth.

Why build your own leadership development program?

A leadership development program gives structure to your growth, ensuring a focused, systematic approach to enhancing your skills. Creating your own plan means you can customize it exactly to your needs, too.

  1. Empowerment: Take charge of your career path, rather than just awaiting opportunities.
  2. Customization: Concentrate on the skills you want (or need) to enhance, such as decision-making, teamwork, or strategic thinking.
  3. Proactiveness: Employers value individuals that take initiative and want to progress, so self-driven efforts are always a great addition to your resume.

Step-by-step guide to building your leadership development plan

1. Start with a skills gap analysis

The first stage is to determine which leadership skills you need to acquire, and which ones you already have a good baseline in. Consider your career goals (both short-term and long-term!) and assess the skills you’ll need to accomplish them. Using a tool like SkillMeter can help you evaluate existing skills and identify areas for growth.

Key areas to consider: Communication, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, delegation, strategic thinking, and team management.

Actionable tip: Take a quick quiz like the Skill Gap Quiz to get insights into your current strengths and weaknesses.

Build your path to a six-figure career with SkillMeter
Build your path to a six-figure career with SkillMeter

2. Define your leadership goals

Set goals after identifying your skill gaps, using the SMART framework to ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example:

  • “Complete a six-month training program to strengthen the dispute resolution skills.”
  • “Participate in two industry-related webinars each quarter to improve strategic thinking skills.”

Having SMART goals gives you direction and makes it easier to monitor your progress!

3. Create a learning plan

No doubt about it, a leadership development program will be based on learning. So how do you organize your learning plan?

  1. Take courses and certifications

We’re biased of course, but PowerToFly's PowerUp Manager Leadership and Development Course offers materials geared to leadership development. Other platforms, such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy, provide leadership courses on themes such as decision-making, team management, and emotional intelligence (not all of these resources cost money, either!).

  1. Use a skills gap analysis template

Employ existing structured tools, such as a skills gap analysis template, to regularly track progress and adapt your strategy accordingly. Templates can assist in identifying gaps, setting goals, and outlining action plans for improvement.

  1. Learn on the job

Accept stretch assignments or volunteer for leadership positions at work. Leading projects, scheduling team meetings, and mentoring colleagues are all good ways to get practical experience.

4. Find a mentor or coach

Mentorship is a very valuable component of leadership development. An excellent mentor provides guidance, discusses their experiences, and gives constructive feedback. Look for mentors within your organization or contact them through professional networking sites. Pro-tip: your mentor doesn’t have to be in the same industry, although it can be helpful! You can learn a lot from leaders in a wide variety of businesses and niches.

Actionable tip: Join leadership networks on LinkedIn, or attend industry-specific events to network with qualified leaders.

5. Expand your professional network

Similar to finding a mentor, expanding your professional network is a critical component of leadership development. Actively participate in industry events, webinars, and conferences to network with like-minded professionals. Share your ideas and listen to others’ ideas as well. Online networks such as LinkedIn may help you connect with mentors, colleagues, and thought leaders in your profession outside of your current company.

Don't be afraid to join professional clubs or associations that correspond with your career objectives! They frequently provide opportunities for collaboration and exposure to leadership insights. There are plenty of virtual options here, but don’t discount resources that might exist locally, either. Networking is about more than just making contacts; it’s also about developing meaningful relationships that can lead to mentorship, partnerships, and future opportunities. Maintain these connections through regular communication and shared professional interests.

How to start: Attend industry events, webinars, and online forums. (Psst…PowerToFly also hosts events and panels on leadership and career development!)

6. Engage in leadership development training

This might seem kind of obvious, but training programs dedicated to leadership development provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in a structured learning environment and are often industry agnostic. These programs incorporate workshops, role-playing activities, and case studies to help students develop real-world skills.

Recommendation: To ensure a well-rounded experience, look for programs that combine theoretical information with practical exercises.

7. Read and reflect

Leadership books, podcasts, and articles can help you comprehend and develop new strategies. Incorporate reading into your daily routine and take notes on useful insights.

Suggested reading:

  • "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek
  • "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown
  • "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni

Reflection tip: At the end of each week, write down one important leadership takeaway and how you implemented it or plan to implement it in the near future.

8. Track your progress

Consistency is essential in leadership growth! Track your progress on a regular basis to stay on track and make necessary adjustments to your plan. Use journals or digital platforms (or whatever system works best for you) to record milestones and challenges.

Tip: Schedule monthly check-ins with yourself to review progress, update goals, and celebrate wins.

Sample leadership development program framework

Here’s a template example you can adapt to your needs:

Sample leadership program



The role of self-driven leadership development in career growth

Effective self-leaders, aka leaders who take their own initiative to better their leadership, are better able to work with people, communicate clearly, and lead by example. The influence of self-leadership on career development is significant. When you take control of your career, you establish yourself as a proactive, dependable, and capable professional.

Employers respect candidates who take the initiative, and developing your leadership skills on your own suggests that you are prepared for greater responsibility.

Train today to lead tomorrow

Leadership development is more than just waiting for opportunities; it’s about creating them! You can nurture the skills required to be a great leader by taking a proactive approach, using tools such as SkillMeter, and sticking to a scheduled learning plan. Remember that leadership is a journey, not a destination, and each step you take gets you closer to your goals.

If you're ready to take your leadership growth to the next level, start with our Skill Gap Quiz or explore our resources on how to develop leadership skills. Make 2025 the year you take charge of your leadership potential!


Build your path to a six-figure career with SkillMeter
Build your path to a six-figure career with SkillMeter

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