Research continually finds 'leadership development' to be one of the top five priorities for HR and business (for instance see BCG's 2021 research: Creating People Advantage).

According to research by McKinsey, American companies spend US$14 billion every year on leadership development initiatives, yet “there is scarcely any evidence that all this spending… is producing better leaders”.

A Harvard University review estimated that corporations spend US$50 billion on leadership development globally. But concluded leaders are less effective, less ethical and less respected than ever before!

So one conclusion is that [all] leadership development does not work, but the problem is that much of what is called 'leadership training' is really 'management training'. This may improve management but not leadership.

The lack of leadership does not only damage businesses but also their employees. A study by the Stockholm based Stress Research Institute found that working for a bad manager caused a 60% increase in the risk of heart attack for their employees. In fact, research shows that having a bad boss has the same negative health impact as smoking!

Management can be improved through cognitive lessons, tools and techniques, but we provide leadership courses that look at a profound self-awareness. It is clear, we can all improve our leadership, and it helps those around us.

Was your last leadership training more about management or leadership?