{"id":39979,"date":"2022-11-29T06:53:27","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T11:53:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/centricconsulting.com\/?p=39979"},"modified":"2022-12-20T12:52:00","modified_gmt":"2022-12-20T17:52:00","slug":"upskilling-leaders-is-essential-in-the-new-world-of-work-4-steps-to-get-started","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/centricconsulting.com\/blog\/upskilling-leaders-is-essential-in-the-new-world-of-work-4-steps-to-get-started\/","title":{"rendered":"Upskilling Leaders Is Essential in the New World of Work: 4 Steps to Get Started"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this segment of \u201cOffice Optional with Larry English<\/a>,\u201d Larry discusses why upskilling leaders is necessary for effective hybrid management.<\/h2>\n
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According to LinkedIn\u2019s 2022 Workplace Learning Report<\/a>, 49 percent of learning and development programs in 2022 focused on leadership and management training. And no wonder. With the widespread shift to remote or hybrid work, leaders need a new set of skills to guide, inspire and mentor employees.<\/p>\n

Many of the new essential leadership skills are rooted in emotional intelligence<\/a>: vulnerability, empathy and humility. Among other soft skills, modern leaders must know how to foster inclusion and belonging and help their teams feel connected to and inspired by their organization\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n

While upskilling leaders is essential to remain effective in today\u2019s workplace, organizations must approach the task strategically. Done incorrectly, and leaders will feel like it\u2019s just an inconvenience added to their already-heavy workload.<\/strong><\/p>\n

My company, Centric Consulting, helps companies with workplace transformation<\/a>. Often, part of the process includes training leaders on how to be more effective in remote or hybrid environments. Below, I dive into my biggest takeaways on designing a program to teach leaders the critical skills for the new world of work.<\/p>\n

Soft Skills, Difficult to Learn: Helping Leaders Master Interpersonal Skills<\/h2>\n

One theme that\u2019s emerged from my company\u2019s work is that the soft, interpersonal skills needed for effective remote leadership<\/a> are often sorely lacking. At many organizations, leaders rise through the ranks because of their technical expertise, not because of their ability to manage others.<\/p>\n

To help leaders master the soft skills required for effective leadership, organizations need a learning program thoughtfully designed to help leaders feel excited about improving and willing to acknowledge and tackle their weaknesses and blind spots.<\/strong> Here\u2019s how to get started:<\/p>\n

1. Cultivate a culture of learning.<\/h3>\n

Fostering an organizational culture of learning will help people feel motivated to learn and continue developing. A culture of learning also encourages everyone\u2014including leaders\u2014to strive toward continual improvement. It sends the message that there\u2019s always more to learn and ways to improve, and it\u2019s OK to admit knowledge gaps or areas you\u2019re struggling in.<\/p>\n

A few methods for fostering a culture of learning include:<\/strong><\/p>\n