9 core leadership training topics to include in your program

Picture this: every level of your organisation is empowered with capable leaders, each driving success and inspiring their teams.

Yet, despite 83% of companies recognising the importance of leadership development, only 5% effectively implement it at all levels.

This gap highlights a significant issue - many leadership training programs overlook essential topics, resulting in unprepared leaders and underperforming teams.

To address this, our blog delves into these core training areas that every successful program should include.

Each topic is vital in shaping competent and confident leaders, from honing communication skills to fostering emotional intelligence and developing strategic thinking.

By the end of this blog, you will have a deep understanding of these essential leadership training topics, why they matter, and how to incorporate them effectively into your training programs.

Understanding leadership training fundamentals: Definition, benefits and more

In this section, we will define leadership training, explore its benefits, and distinguish it from other forms of learning and development programs. By understanding these fundamentals, you can better appreciate its transformative power within your organisation.

Leadership training definition

At its core, leadership training encompasses a range of activities and learning experiences designed to enhance the skills, abilities, and confidence of individuals in leadership roles. This training can take various forms, including workshops, seminars, mentoring, coaching, and online courses.

Each of these formats provides unique opportunities for leaders to develop critical competencies, such as:

• Workshops and seminars: These in-person or virtual sessions offer interactive and immersive experiences where leaders can learn from experts, engage in group discussions, and participate in hands-on activities.
• Mentoring: In a mentoring relationship, a more experienced leader provides guidance, support, and advice to a less skilled individual.
• Coaching: Leadership coaching involves a professional coach working with employees to identify their leadership styles, strengths and areas for improvement. Coaches provide personalised feedback, set development goals, and create action plans to help leaders achieve their full potential.
• Online courses: These flexible and accessible training options allow leaders to learn independently. Online courses often include video lectures, interactive exercises, and quizzes to reinforce learning.

Leadership training benefits

The benefits of leadership training are multifaceted and extend beyond the individual to the entire organisation. Effective leadership training programs lead to:

• Improved decision-making: Trained leaders are better equipped to analyse situations, consider various perspectives, and make well-informed decisions. This results in more consistent and strategic choices that positively impact the organisation's performance and growth.
• Increased employee engagement and retention: Well-trained leaders can better understand and meet their team members' needs, leading to higher job satisfaction and reduced turnover. Engaged employees are likelier to stay with the company and contribute to its long-term success.
• Greater adaptability to change: Leadership training prepares leaders to manage change effectively, helping their teams navigate transitions smoothly and maintain performance during periods of uncertainty.
• Strengthened organisational culture: Effective leaders play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining a positive organisational culture. Leadership training instils values and practices that promote a healthy, inclusive, and motivating work environment.
• Enhanced succession planning: By systematically developing an organisational leadership team, companies can ensure a pipeline of qualified leaders ready to step into critical roles as needed. This proactive approach to succession planning reduces disruptions and maintains organisational stability.

Leadership training vs other forms of training

Understanding how leadership training differs from other forms of professional development is crucial for designing effective training programs. Leadership training primarily prepares individuals to lead teams and manage organisational dynamics. It builds capabilities that enable leaders to inspire, guide, and influence others to achieve common goals. Other training programs, however, are usually designed to improve performance in specific roles or functions without necessarily addressing broader leadership skills training topics.

With a solid grasp of the fundamentals of leadership training, it's time to delve into the specific areas that form the backbone of an effective leadership development program.

9 leadership development training topics every well-planned program should cover in 2024

Each of these topics for leadership training contributes uniquely to shaping competent and confident leaders, providing them with the tools they need to drive success and inspire their teams. Let's explore this extensive list of leadership training topics in detail, highlighting the value each adds to developing top leaders.

#1 Communication: The art of clarity and influence

Effective communication is fundamental to leadership. It's essential for conveying important information, inspiring teams, and fostering a culture of transparency and trust. Research from Haiilo, an employee communication platform, found that 3 in 4 employees see effective communication as the top leadership attribute. Yet, less than 1 in 3 employees feel like their leaders communicate efficiently. This gap highlights the critical need for leaders to develop strong communication skills.

Here are some skills that should be taught under the communication topic:

• Verbal communication
  • Speaking clearly and persuasively: Leaders must articulate their vision and objectives to ensure everyone is aligned and motivated.
  • Practising active listening: Emphasising the importance of listening to team members, acknowledging their input, and responding thoughtfully.
  • Managing group discussions: Facilitating meetings and discussions to ensure all voices are heard and productive outcomes are achieved.
    
    
• Non-verbal communication
  • Understanding body language: Interpreting and using body language effectively to reinforce verbal messages and build rapport.
  • Recognising facial expressions: Recognising and appropriately responding to the non-verbal cues of others.
  • Modulating tone of voice: Modulating tone to convey the right message and emotion, ensuring clarity and engagement.
    
    
• Written communication
  • Crafting impactful emails: Writing clear, concise, and purposeful emails that get the message across effectively.
  • Creating comprehensive reports: Creating comprehensive reports that inform and persuade stakeholders.
  • Delivering engaging presentations: Developing engaging presentations to communicate key points and data.

By integrating these communication skills into leadership training sessions, organisations can narrow the communication gap identified in the research.

#2 Emotional intelligence: Leading with empathy

Understanding and managing emotions is increasingly recognised as a key component of effective leadership. Leaders with high emotional intelligence (EQ) can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, foster a positive work environment, and drive team performance. According to a global survey by Adecco Group, 74% of employees want their managers to demonstrate a leadership style focused on empathy and a supportive attitude. This highlights the growing importance of emotional intelligence in today’s workplace.

Here are some skills that should be taught under this topic:

• Self-awareness
  • Recognising personal emotions: Understanding one's own emotions and their impact on thoughts and behaviour.
  • Identifying strengths and weaknesses: Acknowledging personal strengths and areas for improvement to enhance leadership effectiveness.
  • Reflection techniques: Using reflective practices to gain deeper self-understanding and insight.
    
    
• Self-regulation
  • Managing impulses: Developing strategies to control impulsive behaviours and emotional reactions.
  • Stress management: Implementing techniques to handle stress constructively and maintain composure under pressure.
  • Adaptability: Flexibly adapt to changing circumstances and challenges with a positive attitude.
    
    
• Empathy
  • Understanding others' emotions: Developing the ability to perceive and understand the emotions of others.
  • Active listening: Practicing active listening to understand team members' perspectives and concerns truly.
  • Building trust: Creating an environment of trust and respect through empathetic interactions.

By honing these skills, leaders can create an environment where empathy and support drive team performance and engagement.

#3 Decision-making and problem-solving: Leading with logic and creativity

In the fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, making sound decisions and solving problems effectively is a hallmark of exceptional leadership. Leaders who excel in these areas can guide their teams through uncertainty, drive innovation, and ensure long-term organisational success.

Here are some skills that should be taught under this topic:

• Critical thinking
  • Analysing information objectively: Evaluating data without bias for well-informed decisions.
  • Questioning assumptions: Challenging assumptions and considering alternative perspectives.
  • Logical reasoning: Drawing logical conclusions from available evidence.
    
    
• Decision-making frameworks
  • Understanding models: Exploring tools like SWOT analysis and cost-benefit analysis.
  • Applying frameworks: Practising these models in real-world scenarios.
  • Evaluating outcomes: Assessing the effectiveness of decisions and adjusting as needed.
    
    
• Ethical decision-making
  • Understanding ethical principles: Familiarising with ethical theories and principles in business decisions.
  • Balancing stakeholder interests: Considering the impact on all stakeholders.
  • Maintaining integrity: Emphasising honesty and integrity in decision-making.

By integrating these skills into leadership training, organisations can ensure their leaders can make informed, ethical, and innovative decisions.

#4 Conflict resolution: Turning disputes into opportunities

Effective conflict resolution is a vital leadership skill that transforms disputes into opportunities for growth and collaboration. Leaders who master conflict resolution can maintain team harmony, foster a positive work environment, and drive productivity.

Here are some skills that should be taught under this topic:

• Understanding conflict dynamics
  • Identifying sources of conflict: Recognising common triggers of workplace conflicts, such as resource competition, personality clashes, and differing values.
  • Stages of conflict: Understanding the progression of conflicts from inception to resolution.
    
    
• Mediation skills
  • Facilitating discussions: Guiding conversations between conflicting parties to ensure productive dialogue and mutual understanding.
  • Finding common ground: Helping parties identify shared interests and goals to reach a consensus.
  • Neutrality and impartiality: Maintaining an unbiased stance to facilitate fair and effective conflict resolution.
    
    
• Follow-up and continuous improvement
  • Monitoring resolutions: Ensuring that agreed-upon solutions are implemented and effective.
  • Feedback and reflection: Gathering feedback from involved parties and reflecting on the conflict resolution process to improve future outcomes.

By developing these skills, leaders can foster a positive and productive work environment, ensuring that conflicts are managed constructively.

#5 Team building and collaboration: Maximising team potential

Strong team building and collaboration are critical components of effective leadership. Leaders who excel in these areas can create cohesive, high-performing teams that drive organisational success. A Stanford study revealed that employees who embrace collaboration tend to work on tasks 64% longer than those working alone. They also show higher engagement levels, reduced fatigue, and more successful outcomes.

Here are some skills that should be taught under this topic:

• Building trust
  • Creating a safe environment: Establishing a culture where team members feel comfortable expressing ideas and concerns.
  • Demonstrating reliability: Showing consistency in actions and decisions to build credibility.
  • Encouraging openness: Promoting transparency in communication and decision-making processes.
    
    
• Facilitating teamwork
  • Defining roles and responsibilities: Clearly outlining each team member’s duties to ensure accountability and avoid overlaps.
  • Setting common goals: Aligning team members around shared objectives to foster unity and purpose.
  • Promoting interdependence: Highlighting the importance of each member’s contribution to the team’s success.
    
    
• Enhancing team communication
  • Conducting regular check-ins: Scheduling consistent meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and updates.
  • Implementing feedback mechanisms: Creating systems for giving and receiving feedback constructively.
  • Utilising collaborative tools: Using technology and tools that facilitate efficient communication and collaboration.
    
    
• Motivating and engaging the team
  • Recognising achievements: Celebrating individual and team accomplishments to boost morale.
  • Providing growth opportunities: Offering training and development to help team members advance their skills.
  • Fostering a positive culture: Creating an environment that supports well-being and engagement.

By mastering these team-building and collaboration skills, leaders can transform their teams into cohesive, high-performing units.

#6 Change management: Guiding teams through transformation

Effective change management is a critical leadership skill that enables organisations to navigate transitions smoothly and successfully. Leaders who excel in change management can foster resilience, maintain productivity, and drive positive outcomes during periods of change. According to the CEB 2016 Change Management Head of Function Survey, 62% of organisations rely on implementation plans primarily owned by leaders, highlighting the significant role leaders play in managing change.

Here are some skills that should be taught under this topic:

• Understanding change processes
  • Recognising stages of change: Identifying and managing the different stages of the change process, from initiation to implementation and sustainability.
  • Anticipating resistance: Understanding common sources of resistance and preparing strategies to address them.
    
    
• Planning and implementing change
  • Developing change plans: Creating detailed plans that outline objectives, timelines, resources, and responsibilities.
  • Communicating change effectively: Ensuring clear, consistent, and transparent communication about the change process to all stakeholders.
  • Monitoring progress: Regularly reviewing and adjusting change plans based on feedback and performance metrics.
    
    
• Engaging and supporting employees
  • Building a change-ready culture: Promoting a culture that values flexibility, adaptability, and continuous improvement.
  • Providing support and resources: Offering training and support to help employees adapt to change.
  • Recognising and addressing concerns: Actively listen to and address employee concerns promptly and effectively.

By developing these skills, leaders can foster a resilient and adaptable workforce well-prepared for future challenges.

#7 Strategic thinking: Shaping the future with insights and vision

Strategic thinking is a critical leadership skill that involves planning for the future, making informed decisions, and driving long-term success. Leaders who excel in strategic thinking can anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and create a roadmap for their organisation's growth.

Here are some skills that should be taught under this topic:

• Vision development
  • Crafting a compelling vision: Learning to develop a clear and inspiring vision for the future.
  • Aligning vision with organisational goals: Ensuring that the vision supports and enhances the organisation's overall objectives.
  • Communicating vision effectively: Articulating the vision in a way that motivates and engages stakeholders.
    
    
• Environmental scanning
  • Analysing market trends: Keeping abreast of industry trends, competitive dynamics, and market shifts.
  • Identifying opportunities and threats: Evaluating external factors that could impact the organisation’s success.
  • Leveraging data and insights: Using data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions.
    
    
• Strategic planning
  • Setting strategic objectives: Defining clear, measurable goals that align with the organisation’s vision.
  • Developing strategic initiatives: Creating actionable plans to achieve strategic objectives.
  • Allocating resources: Ensuring optimal use of resources to support strategic initiatives.

By developing these skills, leaders can create a clear roadmap for success, anticipate challenges, and seize opportunities.

#8 Coaching and mentoring: Elevating teams through expert guidance

Coaching and mentoring are vital leadership practices that empower teams and enhance performance. Leaders who excel in these areas can guide their teams effectively, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

Here are some skills that should be taught under this topic:

• Developing personalised development plans
  • Identifying individual strengths and weaknesses: Assessing each team member’s unique skills and areas for growth.
  • Setting specific goals: Collaborating with team members to establish clear and achievable objectives.
  • Tracking progress: Monitoring development and providing ongoing support to ensure continuous improvement.
    
    
• Modelling leadership behaviours
  • Demonstrating integrity: Upholding ethical standards and leading by example.
  • Showing resilience: Handling setbacks with composure and teaching team members to do the same.
  • Fostering a growth mindset: Encouraging a culture that values learning and adaptability.
    
    
• Empowering team members
  • Encouraging autonomy: Allowing team members to take ownership of their tasks and make decisions independently.
  • Building confidence: Providing support and encouragement to boost self-assurance.
  • Facilitating skill development: Offering opportunities for training and professional growth.

Coaching and mentoring skills provide a crucial link that ensures the development and continuity between current and future leaders.

#9 Adaptability and resilience: Thriving in times of change

Research by Harvard Business School found that 71% of 1,500 executives surveyed in over 90 countries cited adaptability as the most critical leadership quality. This highlights the essential role adaptability and resilience play in navigating challenges and driving success in the digital era.

Here are some skills that should be taught under this topic:

• Building resilience
  • Managing stress effectively: Implementing techniques to handle stress constructively and maintain mental and emotional well-being.
  • Recovering from setbacks: Learning how to bounce back from failures and use them as learning opportunities.
  • Fostering perseverance: Cultivating a persistent and determined mindset to overcome obstacles.
    
    
• Fostering innovation
  • Encouraging creative problem-solving: Promoting innovative thinking to find unique solutions to complex challenges.
  • Experimenting and learning: Emphasising the importance of experimentation and learning from successes and failures.
  • Implementing agile practices: Adopting agile methodologies to enhance flexibility and responsiveness.

By developing these skills, leaders can effectively navigate challenges, drive innovation, and ensure long-term success.

Practical tips to integrate these topics into your revamped leadership training programs

To ensure the seamless integration of the above-mentioned topics of leadership training into your L&D programs, consider the following practical tips. These strategies will help you create a comprehensive and successful leadership development initiative.

Customise training methods for each type of topic

Different leadership skills are best developed through specific training methodologies. Tailor your approach for maximum impact.

• Online courses: Best suited for skills that require flexibility and self-paced learning, such as decision-making, adaptability, strategic thinking, and risk management.
• Workshops and seminars: Best for team building and communication skills.
• Role-playing and simulations: Essential for strategic thinking and change management.

Conduct a leadership skills audit to personalise the curriculum

Before implementing your training program, perform a skills audit to identify the strengths and weaknesses of potential leaders. This audit helps tailor learning journeys by determining which topics to include for each individual.

• Self-assessment surveys: Allow employees to evaluate their skills, providing insight into their perceived strengths and areas for improvement. For example, employees might rate themselves highly in decision-making but low in strategic thinking.
• 360-degree feedback: Collect feedback from peers, subordinates, and supervisors to view an employee's capabilities comprehensively. This multi-faceted feedback can reveal, for instance, that while employees excel in team building, they may need to work on conflict resolution.
• Performance reviews: Analyse past performance data to identify patterns and specific areas that need improvement. For example, performance reviews might show that a leader effectively manages change but struggles with communication.

Develop a blended learning approach

Combine various training methods to provide a rich and comprehensive learning experience.

• Online learning modules: Ideal for a deskless workforce, providing flexible, on-the-go access to training materials. Mobile-first platforms ensure efficient delivery and accessibility.
• In-person workshops: Facilitate interactive and collaborative sessions to reinforce learning through practical exercises and group discussions.
• Peer learning: Encourage knowledge sharing and support among colleagues to foster a collaborative learning environment and leverage diverse perspectives.

Ensure inclusivity in training programs

Ensure your leadership training is accessible to all employees, regardless of their background.

• Language support: Provide training materials in multiple languages to accommodate diverse teams.
• Flexible scheduling: Offer training sessions at various times to fit different schedules.
• Adaptive content: Customise training materials to meet the specific needs of your workforce.

Utilise Lingio’s AI-powered employee training platform

Lingio is an AI-powered employee training software designed to optimise learning for frontline workers through mobile-based courses.

Here’s how Lingio adds value to leadership training programs:

• Mobile-based learning: Lingio’s platform allows employees to access training anytime, fitting seamlessly into their workflow. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for deskless workers in industries like hospitality, cleaning, transportation, and elderly care. Mobile-based learning is ideal for flexibility and self-paced learning skills, such as adaptability and strategic thinking.
• AI-powered course development: Lingio’s AI Course Creator transforms internal training documents into engaging, gamified learning experiences optimised for mobile devices using cutting-edge generative AI technology. This feature saves time and ensures training content is effective and engaging. The tool is perfect for developing online courses on topics like decision-making, risk management, and ethical decision-making.
• Comprehensive tracking and reporting: Lingio’s Coaching Portal provides detailed insights into training progress, allowing managers to track employee development, celebrate achievements, and identify improvement areas.
• Inclusive learning: Lingio’s platform is highly accessible, providing language support to ensure all employees can benefit from the training. This inclusivity is essential for fostering emotional intelligence and effective communication across diverse teams, as it ensures that language barriers do not hinder learning.

By integrating these practical tips and leveraging advanced tools like Lingio, you can develop a robust and dynamic leadership training program that effectively equips your leaders with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment.

Wrapping up: Cultivate well-rounded leaders through comprehensive skills coverage

Developing effective leaders is challenging, as many training programs fail to cover essential skills adequately.

This blog has provided you with an in-depth exploration of essential leadership topics and the top skills under each category.

Integrating these critical areas into your leadership development programs can prevent the common pitfalls of underprepared leaders and underperforming teams. Addressing these gaps ensures your leaders can navigate complex challenges, foster effective communication, and drive organisational success.

For a seamless integration of these topics, leverage a platform like Lingio. Lingio’s AI-powered, mobile-optimised courses provide flexible, accessible training, ensuring important skills are effectively learned and applied.

Request a demo of Lingio today and see how our platform can revolutionise your leadership development initiatives.

FAQs

1. How do I measure the success of a leadership training program?

To measure the success of a leadership training program, begin by setting clear, specific objectives. Use quantitative and qualitative metrics, such as pre-and post-training assessments to gauge skill development, employee feedback surveys to capture satisfaction and engagement levels, and performance reviews to observe behavioural changes. Monitor KPIs like productivity, team cohesion, and employee retention. Regularly analyse this data to identify trends and improvement areas, ensuring the training program aligns with and supports your organisation's goals.

2. How can I support leaders in applying the skills they learn in training to real-world situations?

Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to give leaders real-time guidance. Encourage them to set specific goals and regularly review their progress. Create opportunities for practice through simulations and real projects. Foster a supportive environment where continuous learning and feedback are valued, and recognise their successes to reinforce positive behaviour.

3. What are the best leadership training topics for new managers?

For new managers, the top leadership training topics focus on essential skills that effectively ease the transition into leadership roles. Key areas include communication skills for clear interactions and emotional intelligence to build strong relationships. Decision-making and problem-solving are crucial for informed actions.

4. How do leadership training topics for managers differ from those for employees?

Leadership training topics for managers often focus on advanced skills like strategic thinking, decision-making, conflict resolution, and team building. These topics help managers lead teams, make informed decisions, and foster a productive work environment. In contrast, leadership training topics for employees typically emphasise foundational skills such as communication, time management, and problem-solving. These topics aim to develop employees' potential and prepare them for future leadership roles. While both types of training are crucial, the focus for managers is on leading and managing teams, whereas for employees, it is on developing personal effectiveness and readiness for leadership.