Leadership skills are often viewed as a skill that cannot be taught, you either have them or you don’t. This is a common misconception and employees need to be encouraged to grow their leadership skills, because just like networking and communication skills, an employee with strong leadership skills can have a positive impact on the businesses reaching its goals.
The Defence Leadership Industry Program has been developed by the Defence Teaming Centre for employees working in the defence industry for primes or SMEs. It is a targeted hands-on program which addresses a range of topics including personal reflection, values, ethics, psychology of leadership, influencing innovation and the art of cooperation.
Participants who complete the course bring back to the business a range of skills that will provide a huge benefit to the business and the team, including the following four key benefits.
Increases productivity
Great leaders know the strengths and weaknesses of the people on the team and know how to delegate tasks accordingly. They can encourage members of the team and know how to put together a successful team who will deliver a project on time based on the team members personality type and skill set.
Another way the DILP program assists in building the future leaders of tomorrow is by teaching them the importance of empathy. A leader who can relate to the members on their team will inspire them and earn their respect, leading to a more productive team as the members feel like they have the guidance and support needed to fulfil their role.
- Effective decision making
Leadership training gives future leaders the skills they need to make the tough decisions. It teaches people how to analyse a situation and provides them with a high level of emotional intelligence so they can make the right decision in a high stress environment and in a short period of time, that will benefit the business, as well as the team.
- Increases retention rate
A poor leader can lead employees right out the door. With job vacancies at an all-time high, employees now have more opportunities to find a new job then they did five years ago. Meaning if an employee is not happy in the workplace, they are more likely to leave today then they were five years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the likelihood of people leaving their current employer with global research companies, like Gartner, predicting if employers are not willing to negotiate and treat their employees like workers and not humans they will have a mass exodus on their hands.
- Boosts employee’s engagement
Disengaged employees can have a huge negative impact on a business. A disengaged employee is not as productive as they cannot focus on the work in front of them. They tend to be cut off from the values and objectives of the business and are unable to offer any value to the team.
A strong leader will be able to engage employees regularly, through constructive feedback and thanking them on a regular basis. This leads to employees being more efficient and productive in the workplace and helps increase the skill level of the team.
As with any business goal, choosing who in the team could be a future leader needs to be thought of strategically. Without strategy leadership roles are often given to employees who have a more dominant personality. A quality leader is made up of a combination of the right qualities and the right training; and identifying those who would be suitable to nurture and mentor could provide the opportunity a business needs to triumph.
For more information on the Defence Industry Leadership Program and to apply click here.
