Those who take on jobs in administrative, managerial and executive roles aren’t automatically qualified to be great leaders. An understanding of the skills needed to drive innovation, foster motivation and achieve goals are all necessary for successful leadership. Learning those skills can come from experience. Professionals in the workforce pick up valuable habits and techniques from peers.
However, many decide to enter graduate-level leadership programs that can improve their skills in many critical areas. Leadership programs are available in many different disciplines. For example, Concordia-University Chicago offers an MBA in Leadership and Change Management and doctoral programs in Organizational Leadership and Strategic Leadership.
Why Businesses Need Great Leaders
Quality leadership is a key component of successful businesses. In the 21st century, leaders face more challenges than ever before. According to the Center for Creative Leadership’s Whitepaper on Challenges Leaders Face Around the World, the most common challenges that leaders face are:
- Honing Effectiveness
- Inspiring Others
- Developing Employees
- Leading a Team
- Guiding Change
- Managing Stakeholders
Leadership is far more complex than many realize. With the changing technological landscape, leadership is constantly changing and evolving.
The Harvard Business Review reports that the top leadership competencies that employees value in leaders include:
- High ethical and moral standards
- Ability to provide goals and objectives with loose guidelines/direction
- Clear communication of expectations
- Flexibility to change opinions
- Creating a feeling of succeeding and failing together
- Create an environment of safety for trial and error
That’s a demanding list. The preparation to take on these goals is supported by the skills and knowledge offered in a graduate leadership program.
Why Earn a Degree in Leadership?
The preparation to take on the responsibilities of leadership is supported by the skills and knowledge offered in a graduate program. Earning a leadership degree boosts your career and empowers you to make a difference. It unlocks doors to higher-paying leadership positions across diverse industries while equipping you with valuable skills like communication, problem-solving and team building.
Visit our leadership overview page for more information or contact your admission counselor for more information.
