Comprehensive Low Cost Leadership Development Ideas

By Jeffrey Price


There is need for leadership today than any other time in history. Integrity, a proactive spirit and dynamism are at an all time low. While organizations provide training opportunities, they seek to develop the skills they need. It is upon you to find low cost leadership development opportunities to boost the knowledge you have already acquired. The set of skills needed today should have a holistic and universal appeal.

Mentorship is an opportunity to spot, attract and maintain meaningful relationships. Mentors train you on the path to take especially through examples. A mentor should be accomplished in the area you intend to pursue. Look for a mentor within your department and outside your organization. Get a diverse pool including outside your industry. By the time all these ideas converge in your head, you will get the best cocktail to turn you into a global leader.

An accountability group keeps you on toes ensuring that your hit your targets with no excuse. This should be a group where you share ideas, resources, opportunities, contacts, etc. You report to such people on regular basis and get encouragement when things are tough. The guilt of failing and the encouragement you get will propel you to pursue whichever goals you set to achieve.

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.

Be ready to volunteer every time you have a chance. It provides the exposure you need to make a career leap. For instance, sitting at a conference registration desk allows you to meet executives who will offer you the next job. Chat with them, collect their business cards and give yours as well. Sit in committees organizing events without having to be pushed. You have a chance to exercise your ideas. Volunteering also fills your skill gaps and in the process makes your resume solidly attractive.

Take any lateral and cross function opportunity you come across. Being a leader demands that you manage complex organizational structures and situations. As a marketer, develop interest in social media management. Know what accountants and receptionists do. This gives you a chance to understand the operations of your organization. Such understanding will be crucial once you become a leader.

Focus on personal development as well. The best leader is an all rounded one. This means control over your health, social life, talents, etc. The options available include learning a new language, short courses, exercising, eating a healthy diet, etc. You have greater control over your life and approach situations with enthusiasm. People become more confident in your ability.

Mentor someone. In life, it is said that you need two people. A mentor and a tormentor. Having looked at a mentor, it is time to focus on a tormentor. Being a mentor means that someone is looking up to you. This is enough encouragement to act accordingly and thus become better in what you do. You will give yourself no chance to fail.




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