Today’s leaders are visionaries shaping the future of their organizations, guiding them toward growth and success. However, effective leadership is not inherent—it must be learned, developed, and refined over time.
Ralph Nader famously said, “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.” Yet, many companies overlook investing in leadership development, neglecting to cultivate a pipeline of skilled leaders who can steer their teams forward.
While concerns about the time and financial investment required for leadership development are common, organizations should view these efforts as an investment rather than a cost. Given the critical role that strong leadership plays in an organization’s long-term success, the benefits far outweigh the initial expenses.
Leadership development programs not only enhance individuals’ leadership abilities but also foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, spurring innovation and growth within the company. For any forward-thinking organization, investing in leadership development is essential.
These programs help companies transform raw leadership talent into powerful forces capable of navigating the business landscape. Participants gain skills in areas like strategic thinking, decision-making, team building, communication, and emotional intelligence.
This article will explore leadership development programs and highlight our top five picks for companies. We will also examine programs tailored to the unique challenges of the public sector. Each program was selected for its comprehensive curriculum, innovative teaching methods, and proven success in developing exceptional leaders.
Top 5 Leadership Development Programs for Companies
Achievers by Bell Leadership Institute The Achievers program from Bell Leadership Institute is a transformative foundation in leadership development. It helps leaders understand their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Using the Achiever Model, the program teaches highly effective leadership techniques, including the Bell Personality Profile—a confidential 360-degree assessment that offers insights into a leader’s style from various perspectives. The program aims to equip leaders with practical skills to positively impact all levels of an organization, fostering self-awareness and confidence in their abilities.
PeopleThriver PeopleThriver offers a distinct approach to leadership development by focusing on creating high-performance workplace cultures and improving the well-being of managers and team members. The program uses micro-training and real-time employee feedback to drive lasting behavior changes, making it highly convenient for busy leaders. PeopleThriver claims a 300% return on investment, emphasizing its potential to drive organizational success and improve leadership capabilities.
Development Dimensions International (DDI) DDI is a global firm specializing in leadership development and human resources consulting, impacting over 2,500 organizations annually. Their programs are based on scientific principles and focus on creating measurable changes in leaders’ behaviors. DDI offers flexible and engaging courses on change agility, coaching, career development, and talent engagement, along with assessments, behavioral interviewing, and succession management. Their emphasis on evidence-based results makes DDI a powerful option for organizations investing in leadership growth.
BTS BTS is a global professional services company specializing in the people side of strategy. For more than 30 years, BTS has designed experiences that create lasting impacts on businesses and their leaders. Their leadership programs focus on mindset shifts, critical moment practice, and skills that enable leaders to adapt to change, connect with teams, and leave behind a strong legacy. BTS’s use of technology to deliver highly customized, practical content ensures a clear return on investment, making it a favored choice for many top global companies.
Dale Carnegie Training Dale Carnegie Training is known for its focus on improving decision-making skills. The program helps individuals and organizations navigate complex decision-making processes by analyzing problems, evaluating alternatives, and assessing risks. It emphasizes the importance of involving the right people and resources to simplify even the most challenging decisions. With a history dating back to 1912, Dale Carnegie’s approach to decision-making and leadership training remains highly respected.
Leadership Development Programs for the Public Sector
While both the public sector and businesses require effective leadership, the challenges they face differ.
Public sector leaders often deal with unique issues when making strategic, business-oriented decisions. While some programs, like PeopleThriver, can be adapted for both sectors, there are also leadership development programs specifically designed for the public sector.
Strategy Execution for Public Leadership at Harvard Led by Eric Rosenbach, former Pentagon Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary of Defense, this program helps public leaders develop strategies for effective leadership. It focuses on strategic thinking, long-term planning, establishing consistency, and improving strategic communications, all while incorporating real-world examples from leading organizations.
Government Leadership Training at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) CCL offers customizable leadership programs ranging from one to five days, designed to provide practical, impactful development. These programs emphasize a tangible return on investment and are recognized for their ability to introduce new strategies that improve decision-making and empower public leaders to implement change.
National Leadership Academy for the Public’s Health (NLAPH) Supported by the CDC, the NLAPH is a one-year applied leadership program aimed at advancing health equity and improving population health. It includes blended learning, leadership projects, webinars, coaching, and peer networking, equipping leaders to tackle public health challenges.
Choosing the Right Program
Selecting a leadership development program requires careful consideration of your individual needs and goals. Understanding your strengths and weaknesses will help you identify areas for growth, and practical factors like budget and time constraints should also influence your decision.
Leadership needs vary by sector, so choosing a program aligned with your field—whether public or private—is essential. The challenges faced by corporate leaders can be significantly different from those in government roles, making it important to find the right fit for your professional development.
Ultimately, there’s a leadership program for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned leader looking to refine your skills or a new professional seeking foundational training. The key is to select a program that aligns with your personal and professional growth objectives, ensuring long-term leadership success.
