How do you stay current on leadership development trends?

We need to separate coach and mentor to answer this question more accurately. These roles are mutually exclusive. A coach must understand coaching principles to guide the coachee. In contrast, a mentor is an industry expert who offers sound advice. Someone can be a “coach” and “mentor,” but they must shift between those hats.

The key is to gain an intergenerational, intersectional perspective. Listening and reading multiple perspectives are great ways to stay engaged in best practices. This means reading mainstream publications and conversing with multiple leadership development practitioners representing various demographics in different settings and industries-- including joining leadership development associations or congresses and attending conferences. Still, we should consider the value of ethnographic and primary touchpoints of those working with leaders. A trend is a behavior that we see over time. Coaches and practitioners can layer insights as trends evolve. Perspectives from multiple practitioners can inform specific and culturally relevant examples.

Per McKinsey's definition, leadership means using a set of behaviours to help people align a direction with a goal to execute strategic plans and renew an organization. So, it is about both knowledge as well as about personal skills and applying them with and for people. Therefore, I consider that one can stay current on leadership development trends in two ways: 1. gathering updated knowledge (via various communication channels - reading, blogs, events, podcasts, networking, etc.) and 2. trying new positive ways to understand, engage, motivate and align people, with the goal of executing the strategy and renewing the organization

Reading or listening to books can provide valuable insights into various leadership styles, strategies, and real-world examples. It helps to gain a deeper understanding of different principles, enhance decision-making abilities, and develop effective communication skills. Also, having this exposure to diverse perspectives can broaden your thinking and contribute to personal and professional growth and an more well-rounded leader. While doing this we have to be mindful that obtaining knowledge is beneficial, but it means nothing if we do not appropriately apply it.

? The best way to stay current and futuristic about leadership is to observe and listen to the most-advanced real-world leaders. ? Do not fall in love with academic and theoretical concepts written by non-executives. Nor by white papers put out by major management consulting firms. ? With rare exceptions, all these are behind the times, incomplete, and lacking in strategic practicality.

In addition to podcasts and webinars, taking inspiration and learning from those around you (leaders, peers, team mates..) is a key element to exploring and building one’s tool kit of best practices. Practical examples of simple and strong leadership practices are always on play around us, with many people showing it in action - ‘walking the talk’. Once you identify such a practice, I personally like to lean in and learn more by engaging with said leader/or individual to learn the nuances. Take the basics away and refine further.

Read Case Studies of recent times. It's a good way to see how current problems and challenges are being approached and solved.

Through podcasts, we can refine our coaching skills. It keeps us to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, research, and best practices in our field. Listening to different perspectives can expand our horizons and provide us with a better understanding of the diverse needs and challenges. Podcasts can be used to discuss coaching techniques, communication, leadership, and other pertinent topics. Some podcasts have active communities or offer opportunities for networking and collaboration. Listening to podcasts can also inspire us to create our content, whether it's blog posts, videos, or podcasts. Make notes during episodes and discuss key takeaways with other coaches. Podcasts are a valuable tool for professional development.

I’ve found podcasts and webinar recordings have been most useful for staying up-to-date. There is an immediacy that podcasts provide, and it’s easier to identify trends and different perspectives through most podcast apps. A drawback however is that as it is so easy for anyone to start one, topics can be easily flooded by under-informed and copy-cat versions. Finding a good podcast can be challenging, but if you find the right one for you, there is nothing more convenient, despite what the pre-prepared meal companies whose ads you’ll hear on podcasts have to say…

Understanding coaching through podcasts can be challenging since coaching heavily relies on active interaction and responsiveness to clients, making it difficult to grasp the nuances in a passive learning approach. However, what helps me learn, especially in terms of great coaching questions, is listening to ?Coaching Real Leaders”. These are real coaching sessions so you can listen and think of the questions you would ask if you were a coach there ?? Extremely useful!

Leadership development is an integral aspect of personal growth, stemming from self-awareness and practical experience. It's important to note that not everyone in leadership positions possesses inherent leadership skills. ?? These methods are valuable tools for augmenting one's understanding of leadership rather than directly fostering leadership development. ??Networking, for example, can help leaders gain insights from diverse perspectives, refine their ability to assess teams accurately and tap into the experiences of other leaders facing various situations.

When I’ve wanted to stay on top of leadership development trends, connecting with industry associations is my top priority. Associations provide valuable knowledge on the latest industry research, theories, and practices. This information and then be vetted and synthesized to allow thought leaders to provide valuable insights to their communities.

Joining networks and associations is an invaluable way to stay current and connected in the field of leadership development. These platforms not only offer a wealth of resources but also give you a sense of community and belonging, which can be motivating. The opportunities for mentorship, collaborative projects, and even potential business partnerships can be immense. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Meetup make it easier than ever to find groups that align with your professional goals and personal interests, amplifying the benefits even further.

Take inventory on the communities you're currently plugged into, and if they are giving you the perspectives and insights you need for your industry, role, and broader trends. Find and experiment with joining new ones to see what you can received -- and give -- to each of them. I also recommend cross-mentorship within your organization and other groups, since it will both open you up to broader insights and stay in touch with people across generations.

Keeping certifications current, finding new ones to embark upon, and tapping into multiple networks gives great perspective and learning. I love the alumni group I engage in through my coaching certification program (The Hudson Institute of Coaching) and enjoy meeting both coaches, business leaders, and small business owners through local groups that gather entrepreneurs, business leaders, etc. Keeping your communities varied and up to date prevents stagnant thinking, and we can also share our expertise with others!

While conferences serve as a place to learn from expert speakers, where ideas can be exchanged through interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, you have to evaluate the ROI. Will the time spent at the event yield you a high benefit? Does the conference have relevant topics, or only a few? Is the conference targeted at the personas that you would want to network with? What do you hope to take aways from the conference? Evaluating those questions will determine if it is worth attending in-person, or seeking the information elsewhere.

My one tip for making conferences and workshops more impactful is to take one things and put it into action. Often times, we learn a lot and feel energy only to forget it all once we're back in our normal routine. What's the point if you're not going to take what you learned and apply it. So pick one thing to put into action. Those small steps add up!

I love webinars for this. Many different organizations offer expert content and panel discussions that providing a wide range of perspectives on leadership development. Even better, they are often free, or certainly less than a conference or workshop.

It's a great way to engage with experts and experience emerging tools, which ensures you stay ahead of trends. Being updated and knowing the global trend helps you to redefine your strategies.

In my experience, remote events offer flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while in-person ones provide deeper engagement and networking. Each has its merits, so choose based on your needs and lifestyle. Platforms like Eventbrite, Udemy, or Coursera cater to both options, making it easier to stay updated on leadership development trends.

Getting feedback and evaluations is important because they help you learn and get better. Feedback shows you what you're doing well and where you can improve. It also helps you understand how your actions affect others. When you listen to feedback, you can make changes, get better at things, and build better relationships with people. It's like having a GPS to improve and nagivate yourself to reach your goals.

Embracing radical candor is a necessary leadership strategy that leads to transformative outcomes. Open and honest conversations, especially during conflicts, can build stronger relationships and improve results. However, timing matters: Address tough issues when emotions have settled. Actionable takeaways: - Consistently seek out and provide feedback - from/to your team and your manager. - Approach feedback with an open, receptive mindset. - Prioritize understanding before responding in feedback exchanges.

"Feedback is the breakfast of the champions"-Ken Blanchard Yet as a coach I have experienced that leaders often face challenges in receiving input from stakeholders - Structuring and preparing for conversations enhances feedback effectiveness - Creating an inclusive environment helps too - So choose neutral settings, like the stakeholder's office or a casual spot. - Foster inviting communication with genuine interest, open-ended questions, and shared suggestions. - Prepare and structure discussions. Use specific examples for targeted feedback. By creating a safe, open, and structured environment, leaders empower stakeholders to share valuable insights. If you can't make this happen hire an executive coach

These are all great suggestions and really address the 'how' and the 'what.' I think before you start focusing on the 'how' and the 'what,' you need to be crystal clear about the 'why' you became a leader in the first place. More than half of all leaders take leadership positions because of the compensation. Being a leader is a privilege and a calling, if it's just a title or a bigger paycheck, you really need to dig deep and understand your why and your purpose. Until you do that, you can go to as many conferences and read as many books as you want with little or no effect. As a great mentor of mine, Dr. Nido Qubein, told me nearly 20 years ago, "Joe, without the why, the how and the what, don't matter!"

Mentoring and Coaching are apparently the most critical and Important aspect of leadership. I personally feel we as a leader have a professional and social responsibility towards our team members who seek our coaching and mentoring or whom we feel we should coach and mentor time to time to become a better version of ourselves. As a coach and a Mentor we should stay updated on our field of work and ensure we seek continuous feedback to alter our ways to help our mentees. When you help someone with your real life experiences, that makes a lot of difference.

All of the above. One more vital ingredient to this, is the journey of self discovery. The more one introspects and reflects, the more things will get clearer. Be it in the personal or professional domain.

Reach outside of the 'business' box. Join a non-profit board, learn how to motivate and engage people who are volunteers and serve for free. Connect to military veterans in your company or community. Ask them how they motivated people to step into harms way, without regard for their own safety. Study Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mandela and more, who were able to rise nations to their cause, without so much as a penny in payment.

Eu criei um diário de aprendizado em lideran?a: Práticas efetivas: 1. Objetivo diário: Refletir brevemente sobre novos aprendizados em lideran?a e sua aplicabilidade futura. 2. Formato simples: Usar um caderno ou aplicativo para registrar insights e técnicas aprendidas. 3. Regularidade: Praticar diariamente para fortalecer o aprendizado contínuo. 4. Revis?o semanal: Analisar semanalmente para identificar padr?es e ajustar práticas de lideran?a. 5. A??o proativa: Estabelecer metas claras para aplicar novas habilidades na próxima semana. Essas práticas simples promovem desenvolvimento consistente e adapta??o às mudan?as na lideran?a.

Staying current on leadership development trends is crucial for effective leadership. I strongly feel that continuous learning is the most essential and integral skill for leadership. Once a leader acquires the mindset of a learner then he can embrace diverse learning forms such as reading, workshops, and peer discussions, to adjust his leadership style to the changing workplace demands. Peer-to-peer learning could have immense benefits. Leaders can join or start peer groups to stay updated, relevant and supportive of each other and pave the ground for sharing the best practices.

Today, we are bombarded with so much information that it would be easy to get overwhelmed. A great way that I have been keeping up with leadership trends is by picking two or three great leadership speakers such as Simon Sinek, Tony Robbins or Robin Sharma and then keeping up with their latest posts and books through their social media, books, YouTube and podcasts. There are many new trends out there and we can't learn them all in a year. So, pick a few and try to apply it and see if it works for you. If it doesn't then learn something else and keep growing through the process.