The connection between leadership and personal development is the fact that good leadership can be learned or improved through a personal development process. Some people are born with leadership skills, which give them an advantage when it comes to making decisions and taking control. Others may need to learn how to be good leaders. Even those who have natural leadership skills can also learn how to be a better leader through a personal development process.
A connection between leadership and personal development is the development of the ability to manage time and responsibilities. Such a skill may be learned through a personal development program and applied toward improving leadership skills. An individual who is able to manage time very well will be able to juggle several responsibilities in an efficient manner. Such a skill is necessary for leaders who often find themselves in positions where they have to multitask.
Another connection between leadership and personal development can be seen in the development of good interpersonal skills. Not everyone in a position of leadership has this ability. Good interpersonal skills are a necessary requirement for leaders who want to relate effectively with others. A leader who cannot communicate with other members of his or her team will soon have dissenters due to the miscommunication between the leader and the other members.
Leadership and personal development are linked by the fact that leaders must have problem-management skills, so as to be able to handle any problems that they encounter in the most expeditious and skilled manner. Some personal development programs educate individuals on different methods of problem-solving. Such methods may include ways like mediation, arbitration or the application of various negotiation skills. These programs also teach leaders how to anticipate or recognize situations that might result in a misunderstanding so as to take measures to prevent or mitigate such occurrences.
Leaders must be able to communicate effectively with large audiences as well as small ones. Some personal development programs involve the mastering of communication skills, which make it easier and more natural for a leader to address crowds as well as other types of groups. Such a skill includes techniques like speaking clearly, making eye contact, and enunciating each word. Leaders are also taught how to speak in a confident manner and how to carry themselves. This personal development program also teaches leaders how to keep their speeches simple and free of confusing meanings and interpretations.
