As a leadership development professional, I am often asked about return on investment.

Leadership development is a big investment for any organization — one that’s only worthwhile if there is a substantial return. As a result, many organizations strive to measure learning lift and ROI from the programs they run, with emphasis placed on measuring new skills and insights.

Customized leadership development inherently has a higher impact on leaders and organizational results. Since tailored learning can be closely connected to the challenges a business faces or the environment in which it operates, leaders can see the value of putting a leadership program’s ideas into practice. Customization can help participants see “what’s in it for them” more clearly, as well as help the organization build a common understanding of “what it means to lead here.”

  Throughout history, navigation and the ability to “Find our Way” has been an essential skill. When leading others, navigation and wayfinding is especially important, and in some cases a matter of life and death.

When you hear the term “business simulation," what comes to mind? Images of MBA case studies, computer-based games, maybe even memories of prior simulation experiences? You may be surprised to find that business simulations can be far more effective for your organization than you thought. Breaking down the common simulation misconceptions shows how valuable they can be for your organization.

The Institute for Corporate Productivity recently completed a case study about Ford Motor Company’s Global Executive Leadership Program.

Leadership development programs contain multiple learning methods, but none impact growth and development to the same degree as experiential learning. When leaders directly address their most common challenges by actually making the tough decisions in real time and reflecting upon the results, they begin to forge behaviors and a long-lasting leadership skills at rapid rates.