Leadership & Team Development: Week 34

Leadership Development Skills

Learn
I learned that leadership development focuses more on leadership skills and abilities instead of specific job duties. Not only does the discussion help to identify the strength and weaknesses of current leaders, it also attempts to identify leadership gaps that may exist within the organization.

Unlearn
In Pfizer, as a manager we need to help develop individual development plan (IDP) for our sales executives. I realized that this IDP needs to include elements of leadership development rather than following strictly our current existing template or method.

Relearn
During current year end appraisal, I started to explain to my sales executives the areas of leadership development they could focus as detailed below.

Business knowledge
Knows and performs current job
Understands the functions of all departments in the company
Knowledgeable about all company divisions
Maintains industry knowledge

Planning and organizing
Sets specific and measurable goals
Sets realistic deadlines
Practices good time management
Establishes and works on priorities
Get things done in an effective and efficient manner
Responds to requests in a timely manner

Communication skills
Communicates effectively one-on-one and in groups
Clearly expresses ideas and concepts in writing
Listens and considers others’ points of view
Keeps supervisor up to date and avoids “surprises”

Interpersonal skills
Develops and maintains good working relationships inside and outside own department
Does not ignore interpersonal problems, but solves them
Interacts positively with employees at all levels