Leadership behaviour training.

Perception is everything. It's straight forward to study leadership, it must be one of the most written about topics in the world. It's equally straight forward to then regurgitate that theory in an interview or even at a team by way of a "motivational speech" but no amount of theory reveals how an individual will perform when the situation is real. I'm amazed by the number of leadership experts I've met who have never actually led, never been under pressure, never had a team look to them for the answers. Never had to make the least bad decision in a difficult situation. It's crucial that leaders undergo scenario based training in order to see how they behave, react and communicate when under pressure or in unfamiliar situations. Whilst this can be used as part of a selection process it is also a hugely useful personal training and development experience. One of the greatest traits of any leader is self awareness. Experiential training is an incredibly effective way to achieve this.

No one is ever sure how they will respond until it happens. This creates imposter syndrome and self doubt at the one moment when the team and its leader need to be on top of their game. By creating simulated pressure events such as first aid situations, search and rescue or road accidents you can allow leaders and teams to explore how they react when challenged and having to make decisions. Whilst not totally infallable it creates greatly enhanced undertaking of each member of the team might react. It reveals behaviours rather a knowledge of theory.

Most personality testing, we can provide DISC, shows how an individual might present as their best self, when under pressure and when consciously communicating. Scenario based team building enables us to create a little pressure, take individuals out of their comfort zones and see how they actually communicate. This brings to life the reality of pressured communication and enables teams to develop a plan to better communicate in challenging circumstances. This is a skill that can and should be practiced.

Real life feedback delivered in the moment has huge value to both team and leader. Controlled team building exercises allow the participants to pause and get in the moment feedback from each other. Leaders can witness the effects of their decisions and communication in the moment. Team members can discuss how effective a particular style of communication was, test it, adjust it and try again thus creating very real development.

Whilst organisations go to great lengths to shape and communicate their values I've always found defining and identifying behaviours to be far more effective. Scenario based team building identifies behaviours and allows teams to decide what is important and effective for them. The process accelerates learning and reveals true leadership behaviours.