Most organisations are undergoing significant change, whether it’s due to regulations, technological advancements, or shifts in workplace behaviours and intergenerational dynamics. Amidst these changes, learning and development are crucial to the evolution of any organisation. This is particularly vital for leaders, as they set the standards and model behaviour for their teams.

As part of our research and development of the Firefly Online Learning Library, we’ve been exploring how investing in leadership development enhances employee engagement, reduces turnover, and fosters a positive culture; and share some of our insights in this blog. 

Leaders play a crucial role in driving innovation, fostering growth, and ensuring the sustained success of an organisation. However, effective leadership, much like any profession, requires ongoing development and training to optimise both personal and team performance.

Recent* research highlights the impact of underprepared leaders—often referred to as 'accidental managers'—on organisational outcomes. According to a study conducted by the Chartered Management Institute in collaboration with YouGov, 82% of individuals in management roles lack formal leadership training.

Given the critical responsibilities entrusted to leaders and the prevalent gap in leadership development, why should your organisation prioritise investing in leadership development? And what are the long-term benefits to your organisation?

Increased Employee Engagement and Retention.

Investing in leadership development can often increase employee engagement and retention throughout the organisation.

In 2022, learning platform 360Learning found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of UK managers who recently quit their jobs would’ve stayed if adequate training and support were provided. The survey also noted that nearly half (44%) of the managers polled said they had never received adequate training during their time at their companies.

This gap not only affects managerial effectiveness but also contributes to turnover rates, with 31% of managers and 28% of workers citing a strained relationship with their manager as a reason for leaving their jobs.

Effective leadership is vital to fostering higher employee morale, engagement, and satisfaction at all levels - thereby helping to reduce turnover and enhancing the stability of the organisation. Additionally, leaders play an important role in identifying potential future leaders within the organisation. Through mentoring and growth opportunities, they cultivate engaged employees who are motivated to grow with the company.

Improved Organisational Performance.

For better or worse, leaders shape an organisation’s culture. By investing in your leaders, you ensure they embody your organisation’s values, ethic and principles, helping to promote a positive and cohesive culture.

Furthermore, leaders play a crucial role in providing a clear vision and strategic direction. Well developed leaders will set ambitious yet achievable goals, define clear objectives, and outline a coherent path forward, ensuring alignment and focus among team members.

Sustainable Growth.

Investing in leadership development cultivates a culture of innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. Effective leaders inspire and motivate their teams, encouraging ongoing learning and development among all team members to ensure the whole organisation is constantly adapting and improving.

Leaders are instrumental in driving innovation, fostering growth, and securing the long-term success of an organisation. However, effective leadership demands continuous development and training to optimise both personal and team performance.

Firefly Online Learning Library.

At Firefly, we have more than 100 years’ leadership development experience between us all and have amassed over 25,000 coaching hours, and currently, we're consolidating our expertise into an Online Learning Library where leaders can access our expert training and guidance at their convenience.

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*research reference links available upon request.