Supervisors influence how their direct reports spend time, shape their professional and development goals, and also control the resources that are available to them for learning and development. It is therefore reasonable to assume that supervisors can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of leadership development interventions targeting their direct reports.
This hypothesis was put to test in a study conducted by the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). The study concluded that self-awareness, leadership capability, leadership effectiveness, and engagement significantly improve when bosses support the participants.
The CCL study looked at impact of boss support on the outcome as reported by participants. For each of the four outcomes measured ( Self-awareness, leadership capability, leadership effectiveness and engagement), the difference in outcome scores when boss support was high and boss support was low, ranged from 5% to 21%. These differences are significant, and can help companies maximize their return on leadership development investments.
[pullquote align=”normal”]…a little boss support goes a long way. A modest effort in supporting participants can help companies maximize the value they get from leadership development investments [/pullquote]
Companies can achieve significantly better leadership development objectives by improving the support supervisors provide the participants. CCL’s recommendations on improving boss support to participants in leadership development programs includes:
- Discussion between participant and supervisor on the development areas to focus on
- Supervisor’s perspective on participants’ needs taken on board via formal 360 feedback
- Involving the supervisor in identifying a key challenge or opportunity for the participant to apply their new skills and abilities
- Equip supervisor with resources and inputs to support the participants development through and beyond program
Coaching, involving both the boss and participant together can also improve support, because it helps bosses understand the participant’s development goals and challenges.
If your company is making significant investments in developing its leaders, take one additional step. Ensure that your supervisors are on board, and support their direct reports through the program. This will significantly enhance the value your company derives from its investment.
You can download the CCL white paper here : How Bosses Can Make Or Break Leadership Development Efforts
Find out how Executive Coaching can complement and multiply the outcomes of YOUR company’s leadership development program. Please get in touch with us via phone (+91 7760975030) or email ([email protected]). Alternately, leave your details on our website and we will get back to you.
