Comprehensive Low Cost Leadership Development Ideas

By Jeffrey Price


The world is in need of good leaders now more than ever. These are dynamic individuals who can take charge of complex brands and lead them into a profitable future with integrity. While internal training programs develop leaders, their skill set is limited. Personal development through low cost leadership development options is the best way to achieve universal skills.

Getting a mentor means that you identify, contact and maintain links with an accomplished person with whom you share ideas and experiences. The mentor also guides you on steps to take to achieve whatever you desire. Such a person should be accomplished and held in high regard in his field. Pick one from your department, organization, etc. Consider an outsider as well so that the skills and ideas shared are diverse. You have an opportunity to generate an own cocktail of the best ideas. This makes you a versatile leader.

Have an accountability group. Mentors will direct you on skills and actions to take in order to grow. This is not enough. You need a person or group of people pushing you to achieve set goals within a certain time-line. The accountability team shares resources, encourages you and puts you on toes. When you are most discouraged, the group will support you to work towards set goals. It makes you guilty every time you fail them.

Make friends with the right people. While leadership is a personal achievement, getting the opportunity to lead provides the experience you need. It also gives others a chance to sample your ideas and thus gain confidence in your ability. Be friendly to your bosses, seniors, management and other decision makers in the industry. However, friendship should not be at the expense of integrity or demeaning your peers.

Volunteers make excellent leaders. A volunteer is exposed to people, opportunities and ideas that would otherwise be impossible. For instance, when volunteering to organize an event for the office or register delegates for a conference, you have an opportunity to meet, chat and exchange contacts with persons you would never meet in ordinary duties. They will give you the next opportunity to lead. You also exercise your skills and attract their attention for being selfless. Including such opportunities boosts the skill set on your resume.

Consider the lateral and cross function opportunities that come your way. Leadership is about managing complex situations. While you are a marketer, it helps to know what finance or social media guys do. Spend a few minutes at the reception or with accountant. You have a grasp of what running an organization means. Your decisions will therefore be holistic.

Develop yourself as well. It is not all about careers. Endeavor to acquire a new set of skills from time to time. It could be a new language, short course, healthy diet, exercise, etc. This gives you control over your life and ultimately over those under your care.

Mentor a junior. People who regard you as a role model put pressure on you to achieve and be your best. This is the encouragement and push you require to ensure that you never fail. When a surveillance camera is trained on you, you will always put the best effort to achieve. You will always think twice before taking a step.




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