There is No “Magic Classroom” for Leadership Training
Imagine running a Play-Doh factory. You push the lever, expecting perfectly shaped creations to pop out, but instead, the dough leaks out the sides. Frustrating, right? This is how many companies approach leadership training—they expect a single training session to produce fully formed leaders without considering the bigger picture.
A Single Training Isn’t Enough
Too often, leadership training is treated like a checkbox. Companies send leaders to a workshop and expect immediate transformation. But real leadership development doesn’t happen in isolation. It requires preparation before training and reinforcement afterward.
Oftentimes, we keep jamming more Play-Doh into the factory, expecting different results, but nothing useful comes out. Why? Because leadership isn’t about acronyms, techniques, or quick fixes—it’s about fundamentally changing how leaders think and behave.
The Bigger Picture: Creating a Supportive Ecosystem
Effective leadership training starts long before leaders enter the classroom and continues long after they leave. Here’s what that looks like:
- Pre-Training Alignment: Are leaders aligned on why this training matters? Are they committed to applying what they learn? Without alignment, even the best training will fall flat.
- Choosing the Right Participants: Are you sending the right people to training? Are attendees interested in their growth, and are they influential with their peers?
- Post-Training Reinforcement: What happens after training? Are leaders supported with coaching, accountability, and a culture that encourages continuous growth? Without reinforcement, new skills will fade quickly.
Shifting from Self-Focused to Other-Focused
One of the most profound shifts leaders need to make is moving from self-focused to other-focused thinking. This isn’t about learning a new technique but transforming how leaders approach their role.
Leaders often say, “I’ve got this,” but the truth is, they don’t—not fully. Shifting to an other-focused mindset requires ongoing reflection and practice, not a one-time class.
The Opportunity for Leaders
As a leader, your greatest opportunity is to recognize that your people are hungry for growth. They want to be seen, supported, and given opportunities to learn. Providing that support isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued and inspired to grow.
So, the next time you think about leadership training, remember: It’s not a magic classroom. It’s part of a much larger process that requires alignment, intentionality, and ongoing support. Let’s stop running Play-Doh factories that get jammed up—and start building systems that truly develop leaders.
Contact us to learn how we can help you create valuable and effective training for the long term at Slingshot25.com/contact.