Unlocking potential: how to develop people using a leadership framework

In this article Georgia Kouselas explores how you can develop your people through a leadership framework.

An organisation’s main priority is to succeed, aiming to be profitable, adaptable, efficient, and guided by a clear vision and strategy. Reflecting on what sets successful organisations apart from others, efficient and effective leadership often emerges as the key differentiator. These successful organisations are typically guided by a leadership framework outlining the principles, skills, and behaviours necessary to achieve results while keeping people satisfied and engaged.

Now it’s all well and good to have a leadership framework, but what exactly can you do with it? Why should organisations invest in these sometimes-complex frameworks? Beyond driving consistency and setting standards for behaviours, skills, and knowledge, a leadership framework can be used to develop your people through:

• Workshops: Successful organisations use their leadership frameworks to create impactful workshops. For example, if a key capability involves building and maintaining relationships, content can be developed to enhance soft skills and interpersonal connections.
• Training: Leadership frameworks set the tone for essential skill sets. Training courses can be designed to address specific gaps, helping employees enhance their knowledge and capabilities.
• Coaching or mentoring: Senior members, as formal mentors or coaches, can use the leadership framework to guide their direction and support, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Recruitment: Leadership frameworks help identify qualities and attributes synonymous with success. Competency-based interview questions can be designed to focus on these key areas, improving the selection process.

These aspects are crucial for organisational success. Using a leadership framework to underpin every intervention ensures a common language and consistency, making it clear what is expected and what behaviours are needed to achieve results.