I’ve been wondering about how useful academic training really is for leadership development. A few years ago, I took a short course on leadership through a local university, and while the theory was interesting, I felt like I couldn’t apply most of it to real-life situations. It’s tricky because leadership is so situational, right? Have any of you had a better experience with academic programs, or do you think on-the-job learning is more effective?
You bring up a good point! I think academic training works well when it’s paired with practical application. I attended a leadership program a while back that combined workshops with real-world exercises, and that made all the difference.
Some organizations also focus on customizing these programs for their specific needs. For example, I saw that https://cmaconsulting.com.au/ offers tailored academic and coaching programs for leadership. They emphasize practical skills like decision-making and collaboration, which seem more useful than just studying theories. You might want to check it out if you’re looking for something more hands-on.
I’ve always thought that leadership development is a mix of learning and experience. Some people benefit from structured academic training, while others thrive by stepping into challenging roles directly. It probably depends on the person and the environment they’re working in.
One thing I’ve noticed is that successful leaders often keep learning, whether it’s through formal training, coaching, or just reflecting on their experiences. It’s not about one specific method but combining different approaches to grow over time.