Problems with Leadership Programs

[mednat]

I see quite a few generalities thrown around. I don't have a dog in this fight, but as someone who is currently in a program with a focus on leadership I will note that:

1.) Leadership is a bit of a vague concept, but there are quite a few concrete leadership theories out there. Quite a few fields are defined around vague concepts (Criminal Justice included). Most programs focus on the application of these theories. I would say my larger issue with the field as a whole is the effect of a subjects culture on most existing survey instruments (but this is a problem not isolated to this field).

2.) Adult learners have poor retention rates across fields. IMHO this is largely caused by teaching adults using pedagogic methods instead of andragogical methods.

3.) I have seen amazing leaders in the public and private sector. Profit and non-profit. I don't believe there is a case for causation here.

I'm not advocating for leadership programs, or even leadership studies; however, I've found that by adapting my leadership style to match my employees/organization/etc I've become more effective. Could I have received this benefit from an org psych program? Sure! Could I have picked it up as I went? Maybe.

Dismissing all programs and leadership studies in such a broad way without reviewing them individually seems a bit rash.