Now wouldn’t that be something. Instant leadership would be the latest rage. Without training, hard work, or years of dedicated service, newly minted leadership skills could be developed easily as turning on a light switch. For some, it appears that leadership development is a “get-trained-quick” scheme without the necessary input. But, would that really be leadership?
In an era of instant everything and overnight success, many people assume that leadership comes just that easy too. Why would anyone want to take years to learn the tricks of the trade when they could find shortcuts? Would anyone really want to take makes significant financial and emotional investments over years of training programs or certification just to claim a leadership badge? I do not think so. So what can be done in the age where the “easy button” seems to rule?
Taking time to get leadership insights can be done in a shorter period of time and with greater ease through the support of mentors. Having someone else to guide a rising or new leader is the best way to get them up and running. Learning from those who have been there allows leaders to get the inside scoop about the best approach to take.
Also, leaders can get instant leadership skills by culling over the lessons of other leaders. Taking time to look at the historical context of successful leaders and the perils of the most toxic leaders allows learning to take place. This is a way to understand insights about the future and get to next step leadership faster.
Thank goodness for instant leadership strategies! With a few simple steps – adding water, stirring, and letting leadership development skills over time – there are already shortcut strategies available for leaders today.
Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
