Dr. Markus C. Hasel
Leadership development works best when the program addresses a specific need and supports change in everyday work. These passages from Markus’s original article focus on relevance, participation and evaluation.
Start with the real development need
To assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of training programs, HR departments must rely on accurate metrics that reflect the specific needs of the organization, its employees, and the market. A training initiative should never be based on trends or external hype—such as adopting a new technology like blockchain—without understanding the actual needs of the business and employees.
Make participation meaningful
Beyond the limitations of training methods, participants themselves can also hinder the success of training programs. A different client faced a similar issue: the lack of willingness to engage in training. When participants perceive training as unnecessary or forced, their motivation and performance may suffer. Senior managers, in particular, may resist new approaches that challenge their established belief systems. Such resistance not only diminishes the effectiveness of the program but also undermines trust in HR and management.
Match the format to the skill
Similarly, e-learning, which involves extensive solitary time in front of a screen, falls short of improving interpersonal leadership competencies such as communication and recognizing employee contributions. Behavioral change, particularly in leadership, requires time and repetition, but the neuropsychological impact of e-learning on these skills is limited.
Measure before scaling
The key is to establish clear metrics to determine the optimal cohort size and track the program's effectiveness over time. With accurate data, HR departments can evaluate the feasibility of training programs, adjust the length and pacing of courses, and pinpoint the size threshold where a program becomes ineffective.
Explore leadership coaching and HR performance measurement to discuss how these questions apply to your organization.