Are leadership programs important for those not in the leadership position or role?

An interesting conversation cropped up with a young participant during an Executive Development Program on Leadership. He asked me why he had to attend the leadership program as he foresees there are not many opportunities to be in any key position in his organization. He mentioned, “Our leaders stay in their position for a very long time. I don’t see the rationale for attending the program when you know you’re not going to get anywhere close. Further, our organization is considering a leaner and flatter organizational structure in the near future, hence, the requirement for leadership positions may be lesser”.

My answer to this thought-provoking question was firstly, all individuals can learn to lead. A leadership program equips an individual to lead self, a group of people or an organization. Further, a leadership program provides various skills to build strength for an individual such as communication, emotional intelligence, managing people, decision making, etc. Secondly, leadership is not necessarily to lead others but it empowers an individual to do something without a position or title e.g. they may be given more say in decisions or in coming up with creative solutions which will ultimately result in increased engagement, motivation and productivity.

With the fast pace, digitization, and globalization driving business today, it is important for employees to develop leadership skills to ensure shared leadership irrespective whether they hold a key position or have a title. Are leadership programs important for those not in the leadership position or role? What do you think?