How Do I Choose the Best Leadership Courses?

Choosing the best leadership courses typically involves looking at the different approaches employed in training leaders. By comparing these approaches, you will usually discover the one best suited to your personality and development goals. The length and modality of training is also a common consideration.

Leadership courses can range from a one-day seminar to an academic program that may span several years. Courses offered in leadership training programs may take the form of traditional university classes, shorter-term seminars, or online classes. Some programs use mentors to train leaders. Businesses and nonprofits may offer in-house leadership courses. Regardless of the manner in which they are taught, multiple approaches to the content of leadership courses exist.

A top down approach teaches leadership skills in which power is exercised through an appeal to authority. One example of an appeal to authority leadership course would be a military training academy. Authoritarian leaders work within a hierarchical command structure. These leaders are held responsible for decisions made, and underlings are held responsible for obeying those commands without undue protest.

Another approach appeals to loyalty. If you need training to improve your ability to lead through motivating others, this may be a good choice for you. Motivational leadership courses encourage loyalty in others through such exercises as team building and group participation. Those who enjoy a team spirit atmosphere may be drawn to this type of leadership training.

Two other approaches to teaching leadership skills involve leading through inspiration or leading through the art of seeking compromise. Inspirational leadership training differs from a motivational approach. While the latter emphasizes leadership through an appeal to loyalty, the other uses an appeal to shared ideology.

A motivational approach is sometimes referred to as consensus building. Political leaders in a democratic system may use an appeal to consensus approach in exercising leadership. Leadership courses in consensus building may be offered through academic institutions, and political venues like a caucus, or political convention.

Inspirational leadership training appeals to shared ideals. An example of an inspirational leader would be a pastor. Seminaries would be a typical venue for leadership courses in that train those who exercise leadership within a religious institution.

The length of training in leadership courses is often a deciding factor in choosing a particular course. Academic programs may take years to complete and usually involve incurring a significant expense. A training course in the form of a seminar may aim to teach one or two essential leadership skills in the course of one day. These training programs are often helpful to business professionals who seek to build leadership skills within a short time frame.