Evolving &Transforming Leadership: How Executive Training Programs Build Better Leaders By Bobby Drayton Updated April 20th 2024 Key Takeaways • Executive Training is of CRITICAL IMPORTANCE in an age of disruption • Leaders without updated Executive leadership training will ultimately fail • Best types of Executive leadership training • Executive leadership training leads to more successful organisations Over the events of the past few years, in particular the global pandemic, leadership everywhere, was put to the test, none more so than in the realms of business and politics. The failures of leadership were made apparent, and the lessons that emerged have helped shape the way things are done in the corporate and political space. As geopolitical events, new techgnologies, dispruption and change occurs, the need for better leadership in all spheres, is becoming more profound. This article will look at leadership training, and its benefits. Executive leadership training prepares high-potential employees for top roles, with 91% of executives in the United States, finding it beneficial for making strategic decisions. according to a study carried out in Janurary 2024. Leadership training focuses on developing crucial skills such as effective communication, strategic planning, decision-making integrity, and the ability to inspire and insitgate change within an organisation, as well as react to external changes that occur. Prestigious global academic institutions like INSEAD, Harvard, Cambridge and Oxford universities, offer programs that include interactive learning and various specialised tracks aimed at preparing individuals for executive leadership roles in the corporate space, and provides a framework for them to work and understandthe capabilities that need to be developed in order to become a good leader. However it must be said, that leadership training, that comes from organisations such as ours at Westmore Strategies, is focussed on leadership that comes from the trenches as it were, with actionable information, coming from former leaders and high ranjking officers in the United States Marine Corp, Navy Seals, United Kingdom Royal Air Force, as well as former leadership at some of the the most iconoic companies inthe workd, such as Microsoft, Apple, Lockheed Martin, BMW and more. With standard personal executive coaching costs ranging between $200 and $1000 per hour, and for elite personal leadership coaching, costing up to a whopping $15000 per hour, these huge costs demonstrates that the investment in professional development is essential for those aiming to enhance their leadership capabilities, and add value to the corporations and organisations that they work at. Indeed the significant expense incurred by some who wish to enhance their leadership skills, through coaching, shows that the need for good leadership is critical in the success of a corporation. Without leadership, good leadership……….businesses and organisations are destroyed, and the consequences are far reaching. What does Executive Leadership mean in 2024? When thinking of what Executive leadership is, one must look at that type of training, as being that which stands as the apex of organisational management, which has a sole purpose of steering corporations, towards success, market domination, and being on the bleeding edge of innovation. For true executive leadership training to show value, it should offer a unique mixture of strategic thinking, critical thinking, vision, management, creativity, rand the power to inspire teams across diverse challenges. How would we define executive leadership, for those who have not been exposed to the training that helps to create inspirational leaders? Taking this question into account, it can be sid that, Executive leadership is the craft of managing and guiding an organisations, strategic and operational direction, in alignment with an overall vision. This vision must be at the core of all decision making, and in short be in the very DNA of an organisation. An executive leadership course, or training, must help participants, enhance a combination of accountability, problem-solving abilities, robust motivational leadership skills, and taking into account how work experiences canb shape how a leader develops their organisation. “Leadership agility and a commitment to continual learning mark the difference between mediocre and iconic leaders”- John Redman, COO, Westmore Strategies Understanding the importance of executive leadership underscores its role in boosting organisational success. It is easy for ‘C’ level executives, to become complacent, especially in situations where the the rudiments of success, such as marketshare, or product traction has occurred. However in environements where change can occur at any time, there is a glaring need to invest in leadership training, that is agile and robust enough to navigate changes in marketplaces, legislative changes and the geopolitical space. This is sorely lacking in many corporations not just in the West, but also in the wider global economy. The “sameness”, the slow response to the end user, misaligned values with the customer, agendas and the like, all scream that leadership is failing in many ways, and there is a need for a reset. Recent misadventures at Disney, and Budweiser demonstrate this misalignment, and disconnect from the market and end user, and updated executive leadership training, would highlight these issues and allow participants, no matter what their level of experience, to formulate solutions. There is a need for effective leadership, that ensures that strategic plans are executed efficiently, aligning the collective direction of employees with organisational objectives. This alignment fosters an environment where innovation thrives, productivity increases, and the organsiation as a whole, collaborates effectively towards sustainable futures. The next section delves into the key skills that good executive leader training, will deliver for impactful executive leadership. Key skills acqusition with Executive Leadership Effective communication and presentation skills sit at the core of what makes an exceptional leader in today's business landscape. Leaders must articulate their vision clearly, driving change with confidence and inspiring those around them. Such capabilities allow them to navigate through resistance to change, especially in navigating complex projects or strategic management scenarios. Being able to engage audiences, whether in one-on-one settings or presenting before large groups, is of the utmost importance. In addition, mastering the art of effective delegation is at the core of leadership, and for aspiring executives, they will learn that the organisation excels when they empower team members by assigning tasks that play to each individual's strengths while maintaining a positive attitude across all interactions. This approach not only boosts corporate morale but also ensures tasks are completed effectively. Furthermore, traits like honesty, flexibility, and commitment cannot be overlooked as they build credibility and resilience within teams facing challenges. The goal of Executive leadership training The goal ultimately, is the creation of Visionary leadership that involves setting clear goals aligned closely with a business strategy, that has meaning and value; Leadership requires strong decision-making skills backed by wisdom, understanding of the market, understanding of the company, and its place in the market and understanding of self in the vortex of ongoing business activities. The core of any leadership training, is to create an organisation that is filled with leaders of their own domain, and takss, that help them to become excellent executives, that foresee potential opportunities, and risks with a strategic mindset that aligns with ethical business practices— with a focus on making sound decisions that steer an organisation towards sustainable growth. This is true leadership excellence, and has to be the end result of any Executive leadership training course. Types of Executive Leadership Programs Executive Leadership Programs cater to a diverse range of professionals, offering courses that build on existing skills and introduce new strategies for effective management. At Westmore Strategies, we have developed programs that blend academic theory with practical, real-world applications. Programs at Harvard Harvard Business School (HBS) offers executive leadership programs that tackle topics such as advanced business strategy, behavioral decision making, and ethical leadership. These comprehensive programs are crafted to transform participating executives into global leaders of distinction. With a focus on real-world application, learners engage in hands-on learning experiences that challenge their understanding and approach to critical business issues. The Harvard Leadership Development Program (HLDP) provides a competency-based curriculum through five distinct programs tailored to meet specific leadership requirements. Meanwhile, the Program for Leadership Development (PLD) prepares emerging executives for future challenges through team meetings and opportunities aimed at fostering leadership growth. For women seeking to enhance their leadership competencies, Harvard also collaborates with the Yale School of Management to offer a Women's Leadership Program. These initiatives demonstrate Harvard's commitment to developing the skills and mindsets necessary for effective executive leadership in today’s dynamic business landscape. Programs at Cornell Cornell University offers a range of executive leadership programs through its platform and the Executive Leadership Certificate series equips participants with essential skills for steering an organisation towards success. This involves a curriculum composed of six core courses designed to address the multifaceted challenges leaders face today. For senior executives such as CXOs looking for transformative experiences, Cornell's Senior Executive Leadership Program (SELP) serves as a crucial platform for growth and change management. Programs such as Johnson Executive Education offer busy professionals flexible learning options that allow them to accelerate their careers without stepping back from their current roles. Cornell's CXO Leadership Program focuses on empowering senior leaders with strategies to lead confidently through periods marked by complexity and uncertainty. These programs leverage cutting-edge research, experiential learning methods including simulations and discussions led by industry experts, aiming at unlocking participant's potential for strategic leadership amid evolving global challenges. Programmes such as those offered by INSEAD delve into global business management with a keen focus on preparing leaders for the complexities of international markets. The INSEAD course offerings are rich in content, ranging from finance and negotiation to competitive strategy, all aimed at sharpening the skills needed for effective leadership on a global scale. Another standout is the programme hosted by Westmore Strategies, which emphasises innovation in leadership, combining military, corporate and historical aspects. Participants engage deeply with topics like artificial intelligence, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, supported by the technology sectors bleeding-edge mindset. This experience equips executives with the foresight to lead amidst rapidly changing technological landscapes. Transitioning from these comprehensive programmes, it’s essential for prospective leaders to weigh their options carefully before selecting a training path that aligns best with their career aspirations and goals. Benefits of Executive Leadership Training Executive leadership training equips individuals with the tools to lead corporationseffectively and drive organisational and market success. Participants learn to navigate challenges confidently, making strategic decisions that benefit their companies. Executive leadership training, helps to develop leadership skills and style, and investing in such training sharpens vital skills that keep professionals ahead in their careers. Such programmes focus on broadening capabilities, moving beyond specific technical skills to foster authentic growth. This approach transforms participants into versatile leaders capable of handling diverse challenges. Leadership development doesn't just enhance existing skills; it encourages the discovery and cultivation of new ones, preparing individuals for unforeseen future hurdles. Cultivating a unique leadership style is equally crucial, and executive training offers insights into various leadership methodologies, enabling participants to carve out their personal approach. It's not about imitating others but about finding what resonates with one’s values and team dynamics. This personalised style boosts employee engagement, increases productivity, and reduces staff turnover by fostering an environment where innovation thrives. Leadership courses are designed to nurture future leaders while enhancing managerial competencies across sectors – from CEO training and project management to business ethics and soft skills like emotional intelligence and executive communication. These comprehensive learning experiences ensure that tomorrow's leaders are well-prepared today, ready to steer their teams towards success with confidence and agility. Gain the competitive edge As you fine-tune your leadership skills and style, with us, moving to the next logical step involves securing a competitive edge in the professional arena. In today's fast-paced markets, possessing top-notch leadership abilities distinguishes you from the crowd. Leadership development not only equips you with valuable skills but also primes you for new challenges, setting a firm foundation for career advancement. Investment in executive leadership training is an effective strategy for gaining this edge. Such programmes offer insights into collaboration, analytics, project management, and corporate training—all crucial areas for modern leaders aiming to thrive in volatile markets (VUCA). With knowledge gained from us at Westmore Strategies, professionals can significantly improve their decision-making capabilities and strategic thinking. This advance does more than just elevate personal career prospects; it directly contributes to enhancing organisational performance. A leader trained to engage employees effectively increases productivity, while reducing staff turnover rates. This dual benefit underscores why focusing on executive leadership training is not just an individual advantage but a decisive factor in driving business success forward. Transform mindsets and capabilities Executive leadership training goes beyond simple improvement of skill; it fosters a significant shift in how leaders think and operate. Cultivating broad capabilities such as self-improvement empowers leaders to embrace change and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. This mindset transformation is crucial for adapting to the dynamic business landscape, enabling leaders to drive innovation and steer their organisations towards success. Active engagement in our leadership programs equips participants with the ability to develop critical thinking skills essential for effective decision-making. This development of higher-level cognitive abilities ensures that leaders can tackle complex problems more efficiently, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within their teams. The focus on authentic growth helps create resilient leaders capable of inspiring others and leading by example in an ever-changing environment. Enhance decision-making and ethical leadership Executive leadership training, sharpens intuitive judgement, crucial for making sound decisions. Ethical leaders rely on their gut feelings to navigate challenges effectively., in conjunction with incisive critical thinking This skill not only fosters wise choices but also builds a foundation of trust and integrity within teams. Trust is paramount as it encourages open communication and forms the backbone of strong relationships among colleagues, which are the building blocks of an organisation. Developing ethical leadership skills further involves creating an environment where fairness prevails. Leaders learn to communicate transparently, thus excelling in nonverbal and verbal exchanges. Such practices ensure that every team member feels valued and understood, promoting a culture where ethical decision-making thrives. These approaches are essential in education sectors as well, where leaders set examples by prioritising moral over expedient choices. Leaders carry the responsibility of instilling these values within their organisations and Training programs equip them with the right tools to establish norms that encourage everyone to weigh their options ethically before acting. This ultimately leads to better outcomes for businesses while upholding principles of fairness and integrity at all levels. How to Choose the Right Executive Leadership Program Selecting the perfect executive leadership program requires a thorough examination of personal and professional goals. Future leaders must evaluate each program's unique offerings, ensuring alignment with their ambitions and business objectives. It is of paramount importance, to consider goals and areas for improvement. Setting clear goals is a crucial step in selecting the right executive leadership programme. Define what success looks like for you, whether it’s improving your decision-making skills or becoming a more effective communicator. Leadership development programmes often emphasise the importance of goal setting, urging participants to envision the bigger picture and establish actionable plans for reaching their objectives. This foresight allows individuals to focus on specific areas where they aim to grow, such as enhancing their adaptability to change or honing their ability to offer constructive feedback. Identifying areas for improvement demands a sincere self-assessment and willingness to embrace intrinsic motivation and discipline. For executives looking to develop their careers, focusing on developing skills like active listening and communication can make a significant difference. These competencies are vital in leadership roles where direct impacts on organisational change management and team dynamics are frequent. Programmes that dedicate attention to these key leadership development areas not only aid personal growth but also equip leaders with the tools necessary for steering their organisations towards sustainable success. For executives who understand that training, is something that should be a way of life, online executive leadership training offers flexibility and a wealth of resources. Self-paced courses cater to the preferences of individuals who value learning on their own time and pace, making it easier to balance professional commitments with personal development. These programmes leverage the combined knowledge of successful CEO’s, former leaders at some of the most iconic corporations on Earth, as well as military leaders, to deliver targeted skills through concise, lessons, ensuring that learners can focus on specific areas for improvement without overwhelming their schedules. The beauty of our online learning lies in its agility and the ability to offer tailored experiences that meet individual needs, and our top-rated executive leadership and management programmes are available online, presenting opportunities for executives from all types of organisations, ranging from corporations to non governmental organisations and their executives, seeking to enhance decision-making abilities and ethical leadership practices. Conclusion Executive leadership training equips high-potential employees with crucial skills for top roles. Our program here at Westmore Strategies, as well as others such as those from Cornell, INSEAD and Harvard offer diverse learning paths. These initiatives improve decision-making and foster ethical leadership, giving organisations a strategic advantage. Massive Success is based on the application of the insights you learn with us to real-world challenges. Let us be your catalyst for transformative growth. Sign up for Westmore Strategies, Executive Leadership training. About the author Bobby Drayton is a renowned leadership coach specializing in working with CEOs from top global companies, including Airbus, Microsoft, Google, CNN, and Bloomberg. His unique approach to executive leadership training is sought after for driving transformational growth and fostering innovative leadership strategies. Bobby has also contributed to prestigious publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, and Forbes, sharing his insights on leadership trends, challenges, and solutions in the modern business landscape. He loves sci-fi novels, skiing and learning Brazilian Ju Jitsu, and lives between Austin, Texas and San Francisco, California.

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