Online leadership training is a type of instruction in effective leadership techniques that is mediated by an online source, such as a website. The primary benefit of online leadership training over other kinds of leadership instruction is that it can usually be completed on one's own time without having to physically visit a classroom. Leadership training itself is typically used by people who wish to become more effective in departments that require management of other people, such as being an executive or managing a business. While there are many types of leaders in the world, leadership in this case is used almost exclusively as a euphemism for business strategies and employee management.
A manager might be interested in online leadership training if he or she needs help coming up with ways to effectively motivate employees. Online leadership training often offers strategies concerning how to deal with employees who do not work independently, how to enforce in others the idea that the workforce is a team, and how to keep employees monitoring one another. Effective leadership generally involves at least managing others in such a way that they perform the work expected of them. This is usually easier if employees are relatively happy.
There are a wide variety of philosophies on effective leadership, and some of these are culturally dependent. Generally, it is assumed that a good leader inspires others to work effectively, has the trust of others, and is capable of leading the organization toward accomplishing its goals. The method by which these feats are accomplished often depends on the leader's philosophy and culture. For example, in some areas a leader should appear aloof, while in others he or she should give the appearance of deep involvement with employees. Online leadership training usually teaches the kind of leadership appropriate to the area in which the training was developed.
In a way, online leadership training fills a gap between the basics covered in management training and the expertise gained by an advanced degree. The people who usually benefit most from leadership training already manage others according to basic laws and rules but require a little extra instruction in order to achieve the spark and charisma exhibited by highly effective leaders. In order to improve in terms of strategy as well as social skills, one must almost certainly advance beyond online leadership training and take a more rigorous course. Leadership is usually thought of as an internal characteristic rather than a skill, but even so, it is possible to improve on one's basic competency through online leadership training.