Traditionally, leadership training has only been offered or provided to employees who are currently in leadership roles or those who are being considered for a promotion into a leadership role. Although there is no evidence to support the claim that only leaders benefit from leadership training, there is evidence that supports the notion that all employees should receive leadership training.

Business today is driven by the fast pace of digitisation and globalisation, and by training all employees to share leadership, employees are able to make informed decisions faster. Employees are more likely to be engaged and motivated when they have more of a say in the organisation. Leadership does not need to be seen as a specific position – all employees can learn to lead.

The controversy of leaders are born and not created is slowly disappearing as organisations realise that leadership skills can be taught and improved. Therefore, the belief that leadership training should only be offered to managers needs to change, and organisations need to see the benefits of making it available to all employees. By doing this, you are supporting your employees‘ career growth, and it is beneficial to the organisation as it strengthens the core values and policies. Below we look at 5 benefits of providing leadership training to all employees:

1. Creating better decision-makers

Leadership training helps individuals develop skills to weigh risks vs benefits, pros vs cons, and to develop different possible outcomes. Employees that have developed these soft skills are likely to make better decisions regarding their work, and operations in the company will run smoother as informed decisions are made.

Decisions made by employees with these skills will be more consistent and the best decision for the given situation. Overall, this will benefit managers as their team member’s performance will increase, which is extremely beneficial to the organisation. Employees who have the power to self-manage do not need to be micro-managed and are capable of choosing the best action plan, which is the foundation for a successful organisation.

2. Improves company structure

As previously stated, leadership does not only need to be about those in high levels of command receiving training. Collective leadership can be so critical to an organisation as it allows for two or more individuals to lead a team which results in informed and data-driven decisions. The perspectives of all employees are taken into consideration, and it allows all employees to feel that their input matters.

It is possible to eliminate the divisive environment by taking the time to train all employees and inevitably make them feel valued at work. This will not only increase the productivity of the employees, but it will retain top talents in the organisation.

3. The organisation is better equipped to handle the future

Businesses are growing and changing at a rapid pace due to the 4th Industrial Revolution and the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is more important now than it ever has been to ensure that your organisation is ready for future growth.

Organisations need strong employees to manage the changes that are happening within their teams and the overall organisation. If employees have received leadership skills training, they are better able to prepare for the future and adapt to any changes that happen.

Furthermore, the organisation is developing future leaders who are able to take over the roles of leaders who leave the organisation, retire or move to a new position.

4. Allows employees to obtain a new mindset

Generally, employees have a set mindset about their careers, and this is either a fixed mindset or one that is focused on growth and development. Individuals who have a fixed mindset believe that their qualities are fixed, and their talent is enough to make them successful in their role.

On the other hand, individuals who are focused on growth and development understand that their abilities can be improved and that continuous learning will help grow their careers.

Therefore, if all individuals receive leadership training, they can learn new ways of thinking and grow their mindset. This will allow individuals to realise their abilities can be improved, which is beneficial to them and the organisation.

5. Develop better Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional Intelligence has become more important in the world of work and is a key focus of leadership training. It allows individuals to make better decisions and results in more successful outcomes.

Individuals who are able to recognise and manage their emotions and the emotions of others are likely to have better relationships with their colleagues and are more self-aware. This is beneficial to the organisation as individuals are able to understand their strengths and weaknesses and manage conflict effectively.

Providing training to all employees is a long-term investment for the organisation. It‘s a process of creating employees who are self-sufficient, aware, confident, productive and skilled to make the best decisions for the company.

At Plumm we understand the importance of providing leadership training to all employees and encourage this form of training within the organisation.