Experiences that develop leadership capabilities

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to answer the research question: what recent experiences – other than undertaking training and development programmes – do mature managers and professionals regard as important for their development as leaders? Design/methodology/approach A survey was issued to mature managers and professionals, asking them to rate the contribution of certain experiences to their recent development of leadership capabilities, and to provide qualitative data on the most important experiences. Findings The experience that was rated most highly in developing leadership capabilities was “tackling a significant challenge or challenges”, followed by “taking, or contributing to, major decisions”, and then by “taking on new responsibilities”. Controlled interventions such as coaching/mentoring, appraisal feedback, and temporary new responsibilities were awarded relatively low ratings. Research limitations/implications The sample was drawn from graduates of an executive master’s degree, who are likely to have positive attitudes to self-development and to learning from experience. Practical implications The findings can be used to help mature leaders, and those who facilitate leadership development, to identify and use experiences that may develop leadership capabilities. Originality/value There are few recent studies on the kinds of experiences that are perceived to develop leadership capabilities of mature managers and professionals.

Leadership and quality management measurement models: an empirical study

“…Studies on leadership found that leadership had a relationship and/or effect on quality management, especially when organizations begin to implement quality management programs (Chaijukul, 2010; Laohavichien et al , 2011; Kemenade, 2014; Boak and Crabbe, 2019). Individual staff members who have leadership proficiency have various leadership attributes, for example, possessing good judgment skills, achieving decisive outcomes, sustaining an intrinsic driving force, maintaining an open-mind regarding change and adaption, and asserting a proactive attitude toward common goals.…”

Challenging experiences: recommendations for promoting individual development

“…A series of studies undertaken by scholars and practitioners with junior and senior executives over the past four decades (e.g. Boak and Crabbe, 2019; Lindsey et al , 1987; McCall et al , 1988; Nowill, 2011; Zemke, 1985) indicate that the answer may lie in having individuals undergo “challenging” or “stretching” experiences.…”

Who is the ideal worker? How gendered organizations adversely impact women's promotability and development

“…Although all employees may be eligible for developmental opportunities such as training, the most visible and impactful development usually goes to high-potential employees. These valuable developmental opportunities go to high-potential employees because organizational leaders believe these employees can be successful in taking on challenging experiences and that these experiences will help employees to develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to take on future leadership positions within the firm (Boak & Crabbe, 2019;Day, 2000;Hezlett, 2016).…”

“…This disparity not only affects promotion decisions, including lateral promotions, but also other development offered to men and women in the workplace. Developmental work opportunities are important for employees to develop leadership skills and to demonstrate that they are ready for a leadership position higher up in the organization (Boak & Crabbe, 2019;Day, 2000;Hezlett, 2016). Across organizations, men tend to receive more challenging work assignments (King et al, 2012), developmental job assignments (Lyness & Schrader, 2006), and international assignments (Meier, 2017) than women.…”

“…These developmental opportunities, such as challenging work assignments and international assignments, allow employees to develop and demonstrate leadership skills and are key to promotions to leadership (Boak & Crabbe, 2019;Day, 2000;Hezlett, 2016).…”