Leadership training is not a one-size-fits-all task. While Core Leadership programs focus on developing essential leadership skills, Leading Leaders programs are uniquely designed to prepare individuals for the complex role of guiding other leaders. Every leader deserves a great leader, and leading leaders requires a distinct set of skills that go beyond traditional leadership training.
Transitioning from Leading Individuals to Leading Leaders
Becoming a leader of leaders requires more than just an expansion of core leadership skills -
it demands a shift in mindset, responsibilities and vision. Leading Leaders programs must always be customized to your organization’s unique needs, and must be built upon the foundation set by your Core Leadership training content and style. This ensures a seamless transition into the new role while reinforcing, for many, previously acquired skills. Here are some key component.
Key Components of Leading Leaders Programs - What we often cover:
Creating Legacy & Setting High Standards – Inspiring excellence and long-term impact.
Coaching & Mentoring – Developing and sparring with your leaders.
Strategic Leadership – Translating strategy into action and managing change effectively.
Leading Leaders – Focusing on the development of specific managerial skills.
Leading Leadership Teams – Building high-functioning leadership teams.
Organizational & Cultural Context – Navigating both corporate and national cultures.
Assertiveness, Influence & Impact – Strengthening decision-making and presence.
Difficult Conversations – Addressing challenges with confidence and structure.
Program Method and Style - How we develop leaders of leaders.
We train leaders of leaders by incorporating a conscious mix of experiential learning, profiling and practical application. Elements of learning are designed according to the learning purpose and participants' previous experience:
Leadership profiling/assessment tailored for those who lead leaders.
Tools and methods for effective leadership at the next level.
Dedicated reflection time to internalize learning.
Coaching sessions to enhance leadership effectiveness.
Role-playing coaching exercises to simulate real-world leadership challenges.
Focus on behaviour and performance outcomes.
The 10-20-70 approach: Learn it, discuss it, try it - in a safe training environment.
Program Principles - the leadership philosophy and values we use:
Great leaders of leaders are truly committed to developing others - including their own leaders, leadership teams and employees. This fosters a mindset that prioritizes growth, accountability, and empowerment at all levels. Expectations to leaders following this philosophy include role modelling and encouraging great work culture; showing humility and involving others; caring for, appreciating and developing others; demonstrating business drive, ambition and alignment; replacing control with expectations and accountability; encouraging curiosity, feedback and dialogue; fostering resilience and adaptability in leadership; and leading with integrity and authenticity.
A common misconception is that managing managers requires only minor adjustments compared to managing individuals. However, as outlined in The Leadership Pipeline by Charan, Drotter, and Noel, the shift is significant, requiring new skills, time management approaches, and work values: "Without effective leadership at this level, both quality and productivity suffer. The key is to empower managers rather than bypass them. This means giving them decision-making authority, holding them accountable, and coaching them to enhance their managerial effectiveness." They outline some of the following development points:
Critical Areas for Development in Leading Leaders
Preparing leaders for their roles with structured training.
Mastering delegation and ensuring accountability.
Enhancing performance management techniques.
Increasing the frequency and impact of coaching and feedback.
Strengthening team-building capabilities.
Focusing on developing people, not just delivering work.
Selecting and differentiating leaders, including internal promotions.
Allocating resources effectively across teams.
Managing collaboration across business units.
Engaging in next-level planning and strategic execution.
Elevating Leadership at Every Level
In summary, Leading Leaders programs bridge the gap between core leadership skills and the demands of leading other leaders. By equipping leaders of leaders with the necessary tools, strategies, and mindset, organizations can build a strong internal leadership pipeline that drives long-term success.
If you're ready to take your leadership development to the next level, a customized Leading Leaders program will ensure your organization’s leaders are empowered, prepared, and ready to lead other leaders with confidence and impact.
