What Is a Leadership Development Plan?
A leadership development plan is your personalised strategy for becoming a more capable, confident, and influential leader. It helps identify where you are now, where you want to be, and what it takes to get there.
Think of it as a GPS for your leadership journey. Without it, you’re just driving aimlessly. With it, you’re moving forward with purpose.
Why does this matter? Because leadership impacts everything — team morale, productivity, retention, and business growth. A strong leadership growth plan ensures you’re not just managing, but leading in a way that moves the needle.
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Why It Needs to Tie to Strategy & ROI
Too often, leadership development is treated as a personal goal rather than a business one. But great leadership doesn’t live in isolation — it supports your team, fuels succession planning, and plays a direct role in achieving strategic objectives.
If you’re investing time in growing as a leader, tie your efforts to outcomes that the business values. What KPIs can you influence? What gaps in leadership could slow future growth?
When your leadership development plan connects to strategy and measurable returns, it earns buy-in — and delivers value.
Which Plan Structure Works Best?
No one-size-fits-all approach here. But these tried-and-tested models are a great place to start:
10-Step Model
Focuses on self-assessment, goal-setting, accountability, and regular feedback. Ideal for individuals who want a structured path to improvement.
10–20–70 Framework
Spend 10% of your development time on formal learning, 20% on coaching or mentorship, and 70% on real-life application. This model works well in organisations with mentoring structures or leadership programs.
Competency-Based Plans
Map out specific leadership skills (like communication, strategic thinking, or emotional intelligence) and develop around those. Perfect for aligning leadership capabilities with company values or job requirements.
Not sure which to pick? Start with a hybrid — use a checklist (like the 10-step model) but back it up with a 10–20–70 mindset to make it stick.
How to Build Your Plan: Step-by-Step
Ready to create your own leadership growth plan? Follow this step-by-step guide to move from vague ideas to a clear, customisable strategy.
1. Take a Self-Assessment
Start by understanding your strengths and blind spots. Use a tool or reflection exercise to gauge how you currently lead.
2. Identify Development Areas
Based on your assessment, highlight 1–2 areas with the most room for growth. Maybe it’s decision-making. Maybe it’s developing others.
3. Set Your “One Big Thing”
Define one meaningful goal that would transform how you lead. Write it in the present tense to make it stick.
Example: “I lead with clarity and confidence, even under pressure.”
4. Acknowledge Your “One Big Liability”
What’s the one habit or behaviour that’s holding you back? Calling it out is the first step to changing it.
5. Create a Vision for the Future
Where do you want your leadership to take you in 5 years? A clear vision helps align your short-term goals with long-term outcomes.
6. Start and Stop
Pick one behaviour to start and one to stop. Keep it realistic. Small changes lead to big shifts over time.
7. Build Your Accountability Circle
Surround yourself with 5–8 people who can give honest feedback. Share your goal and check in regularly.
8. Practise Intentionally
Focus on consistent, mindful practice. Set reminders, reflect daily, and don’t expect perfection — aim for progress.
9. Reflect and Adjust
Make reflection part of the process. Weekly or monthly journaling works wonders for tracking shifts in behaviour and attitude.
10. Measure Your Progress
Use peer feedback, repeat assessments, or journal reviews to track your growth. If something’s not working, tweak the plan.
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How to Track Progress and Iterate
A plan is only as good as your ability to follow it — and adapt it.
Here’s how to stay on course:
- Feedback loops: Regularly check in with your accountability circle.
- Progress check-ins: Schedule monthly or quarterly reviews.
- Reassess goals: As you grow, your “One Big Thing” might shift. That’s a sign of growth — not failure.
- Celebrate wins: Leadership is a long game. Acknowledge the steps you’ve taken, not just the finish line.
Unlock Your Leadership Potential
A leadership development plan is your commitment to becoming the leader you want to be.
You’ve got the framework. You’ve got the steps. Now all you need is action.
Connect with one of our certified leadership coaches today. It’s time to grow into the leader your team needs.
