Why Leadership Development & Upskilling will be the Necessary Steps for Businesses in 2023

How do leaders lead?

They raise benchmarks. They ask the important questions. They facilitate growth, set the right example and get things done.

Leaders lead with a combination of experience, expertise, data and gut instinct – it’s a formidable combination, but one that is perfected with learning, unlearning, challenges, failures, and of course – some big moments that really stand out. As professionals evolve into people leaders, they often tend to put their own development and upskilling on the back-burner. What often gets missed in such circumstances is the fact that leaders who invest in themselves are actually empowering their teams with learning avenues that were previously unimagined, thereby contributing massively to the success of the organisation.?

The doors are closing in 2022, and we take some baggage with us into the new year. From the unpredictability of work-models, to increasingly threatened job security; from mental health and diversity-led conversations becoming more normal, but also more polarising than ever before, to holistic learning taking precedence over rigid skill-based programs – the workplace has entered a revolution.?

It's time now, to embrace the revolution. And this means that leadership development and training should not be encouraged based on an apprehension of future unpredictability or fear of tech, AI and lack of job security.?

After all, continuous learning is about being equipped enough to take everyone with you when you move forward.

Upskilling helps to lead by doing

Setting an example when it comes to strategic planning and seamless execution, requires leaders to set the standards they wish to see around them. And this comes from regular, consistent training that enables leaders to stay updated with the latest trends, tech innovations and policymaking sensibilities.?

Development builds well-rounded leaders

Leadership training doesn’t just comprise skill-based programs, but also involves sensitization, soft skill training, awareness sessions and all-round development. From building a better understanding of diversity and inclusion, to future-first sensibilities in terms of wellness, progressive work models and compassionate leadership – it’s crucial to empower senior leaders to address challenges in new ways in this ever-evolving world.

Training forms an integral part of succession planning

Leaders are only as good as the talent they leave behind. While people-managers need to be reliable pillars to lean on, they cannot be indispensable. The hallmark of good leadership is to cascade one’s learnings to one-downs so that knowledge is shared, success is collective, and larger organisational goals are met even after a senior leader retires or moves on from the company.?

Empowered leaders help attract fresh talent

It’s not just existing employees who are inspired by competent leaders. Future talent is also on the search for leaders who will power their growth and learning, seeking out organisations where upskilling is embedded in the culture.?

While everyone has their own way of learning, I have learnt from personal experience that actively seeking out my own passions has moulded me into the leader I am today, and is continuing to shape the leader I will be tomorrow. Right from streamlining and conceptualising HR methodologies for the present and future, to enthusiastically increasing my knowledge of Indian archaeology and history – self-driven learning and a diverse range of interests helps one understand the world and its people.?

May 2023 be a year of renewed learning, reinvigorated passions, and reinvented skills!