Investing in Leadership Development and Training with a DEI Focus in Corporate America

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the need for effective leadership has never been more critical. The pandemic accelerated the need for companies to change quickly to stay afloat. However, many transformations fail. What makes some successful? Successful transformations require strong leadership to set direction, make decisions, and motivate the team. Investing in leadership development is crucial. The pandemic showed that having skilled leaders ready to guide your organization through change is essential.

In today's dynamic world, leaders must be prepared and equipped with the necessary skills and self-awareness to guide their people through change.

As the demands on leaders continue to grow, so too does the necessity for ongoing investment in their development and training. According to research by Deloitte, companies with strong leadership development programs are 1.4 times more likely to have sustained business growth and outperform their competitors. Similarly, a study by McKinsey found that organizations in the top quartile for leadership development report 37% higher revenue per employee.

Think about it: for companies to be competitive, leaders must be able to move quickly, pivot, forecast, problem solve, coach, communicate, delegate, and more. Leaders who have honed these skills give their companies a key competitive advantage, especially during tumultuous times.

Before diving into the benefits of leadership development, what does “leadership development done right” really mean?

• Leadership development is not a "one and done" it is a journey of learning that helps leaders grow continuously. And it's a mix of both macro and micro learning to build skills to engage your leaders.
• It meets leaders where they are and with exactly what they need. Your program needs be highly relevant, and answer challenges your leaders have right now.
• It needs to be set up the way your people work: If you have a remote workforce then you have to create a virtual program that is easy for your leaders to utilize and learn from.
• You need to consider how your leaders like to work. With our company NOTA Inclusion we've started and continue to iterate leadership development programs with our clients based on their leader's feedback on what types of trainings they want most and what they prefer in terms of take-aways and assignments.
• We tell this to our clients all of the time, the program has to allow leaders time to practice and then share back how they applied the skills they learned.
• It's personalized, we emphasize this all of the time with our clients, that's also why our company solely focuses on customizing these programs and does not even offer "off the shelf"/ "pre-recorded" trainings that do not speak nor apply to what their leaders need. This program needs to look and be like something that was curated to them.

So, what type of DEI trainings should companies invest in to develop their leaders effectively? Here are some key areas to consider:

These trainings will naturally vary based on the specific needs and direction of your leaders and organization. However, the topics highlighted here are fundamental skills that every people leader should possess. Consider them as foundational elements to customize your leadership development journey further.

• How to create psychological safety: Managers are key in motivating and satisfying employees. A study on "quiet quitting" found that leaders who balance team needs with results are more effective. It's not just about driving performance; leaders must also prioritize team well-being. The traditional stoic leader image is evolving to one that values care, empathy, and inclusivity. When leaders prioritize their team's feelings of support and appreciation, performance improves.Here are some of our speakers that can lead this conversation and training in your workplace today.

Elaine Lin Hering | NOTA inclusion

Maria Ross | NOTA inclusion

Eddie Pate | NOTA inclusion

Liesel Mertes | NOTA inclusion

Ashley T. Brundage | NOTA inclusion

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training (This can be broken down into many macro or micro sessions): In today's diverse workplace, it's essential for leaders to understand the value of diversity and create an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and supported. DEI training helps leaders recognize unconscious biases, foster inclusive behaviors, religious diversity and promote equity within their organizations.

Here are some of our speakers that can lead this conversation and training in your workplace today.

Frans Johansson | NOTA inclusion

Eboo Patel | NOTA inclusion

Mahzarin Banaji | NOTA inclusion

• Communication and Conflict Resolution Training (How to manage a multi-generational team): Effective communication is fundamental to successful leadership. Leaders must be able to convey their vision, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts constructively. Training in communication skills and conflict resolution equips leaders with the tools to navigate challenging situations and foster positive relationships.

Anna Liotta | NOTA inclusion

Raven Solomon | NOTA inclusion

Allison Shapira | NOTA inclusion

Simon Greer | NOTA inclusion

Lindsey Pollak | NOTA inclusion

Additional to the leadership program we highly recommend that you build in a Coaching and Mentoring Programs alongside the leadership development program. Enables leaders to receive personalized support and guidance in their professional development. Through one-on-one coaching sessions or mentorship relationships, leaders can enhance their skills, gain new perspectives, and accelerate their growth as effective leaders.

A well-established leadership development program can help your company attract and retain talent. In addition, when leaders have the skills to inspire, engage, and connect with their teams, employees are more likely to be engaged with each other and their role—and find purpose in the work they do.

Seeking a seasoned partner to craft a dynamic leadership development program that engages your leaders? Look no further. Reach out to us via our website, LinkedIn, or email me directly at [email protected]. We're your all-in-one team, guiding you from concept to feedback and iteration. With years of experience working with clients to refine their leadership programs, we understand that it's not a one-time fix—it's an ongoing journey tailored to meet evolving needs. Let's collaborate to create a program your leaders will eagerly embrace.