Accelerating Leadership Development in Africa

Session Code: HRSA12

Accelerating leadership development in Africa

Jonathan Man & Hema VallabhIDM Business School

Bridge the growing skills gap

• As business grows young leaders are being moved into stretch roles before they are ready

• GDP growth in Africa is outstripping supply of leaders• Secondary and tertiary education can’t keep up• Legislation is expected to increase the demand on corporates to

play a bigger role in skills building

Reduce operational and financial risk

• The war for a (perceived) small talent pool is driving wage inflation ahead of productivity gains

• The (perceived) scarcity of local talent leads to stubbornly high expat spend

Manage wage costs

• Strength the diversity and depth of successor pools• Reduce retention risk• Strengthen and differentiate the EVP

De-risk and strengthen succession pools

Why accelerate leadership development in AfricaNot a nice to have, an imperative

What are the considerations to accelerate leadership capabilityNot a program, but a continuous learning journey

Organisational wrap around• On-going diagnosis and review of learning

against business needs• Selection and assessments• Rapid learning design (and re-design)• Governance and sponsorship• Succession, mobility and career planning

Relevant practical leadership learning • Core leadership skills and discipline• Planning, execution, cultural agility• EQ and interpersonal skills• Access to JIT virtual learning

Stretch experiences• Design appropriate and relevant challenging

projects /assignments• Deliberate practice• Rapid review and feedback with mentors• Action learning to solve real business issues

Close personal support• Close Line Manager involvement• Regular access to mentors• Regular business coaching• Counselling support• Physical, mental & spiritual health

Elements to get right

Blend of virtual and f-2-f delivery

Senior sponsorship

Easy access to repository of fantastic

content

Talent mobility & succession

Rapid update and content

re-design

High quality review and feedback

High caliber and

deliberate mentorship

Action learning

Inspirational classroom

experiences

High impact on-the-job

experiences

Balance EQ + IQ

Real business problems

Accelerating Leadership Development in Africa

Session Code: HRSA12