Develop Better Leaders: 5 Research-Backed Steps

Most Companies Struggle to Develop Better Leaders
Too often, corporate leaders step into their roles without being fully prepared to guide their teams or make high-stakes decisions effectively. Research from CEB indicates that nearly two-thirds of new leaders underperform during their first two years, while a recent McKinsey survey found that only 1 in 10 respondents believe their organizations effectively prepare leaders for success. Our own leadership simulation assessment data reinforces this: companies must invest in developing stronger leaders if they hope to achieve both business and people objectives.

Whether you are stepping into your first people leadership role or have decades of experience, there is always room to improve. Over more than 30 years of working with clients across industries — small and large — we’ve studied the most successful corporate leaders. From this experience, we’ve identified a set of fundamental practices that consistently distinguish leaders who:

• Inspire.
• Perform.
• Deliver results.

The Mindset of a Great Leader
To be admired by your team and fully engage them in your organization’s purpose, you must first show up with the right leadership mindset — one that commands respect and loyalty. Great leaders demonstrate genuine care for their people, stay open to new ideas, communicate clearly, act with integrity, focus on developing others, and maintain the ability to see the big picture.

5 Steps to Develop Better Leaders

Developing better leaders starts with assessing their strengths and gaps, then using targeted action-learning leadership development programs to ensure they can consistently and effectively:

1. Communicate
   Exceptional leaders are exceptional communicators. They model open, honest, relevant, direct, and respectful communication — especially when the stakes are high. They listen actively and encourage feedback, creating an environment where employees feel safe to share ideas and challenge assumptions.
   
   Their example inspires others to communicate in the same way, fostering collaboration and innovation.
   
   Key question: Can your leaders communicate with clarity, energy, and passion?
2. Build Relationships
   Great leaders cultivate long-term relationships both internally and externally. They understand that trust is the foundation of every connection. They honor commitments, hold themselves accountable, and create psychological safety within their teams.
   
   They view themselves as part of the team, not above it, and work together toward shared goals.
   
   Key question: Can your leaders build trusting relationships with stakeholders across functions and levels?
3. Motivate and Develop Others
   Top leaders inspire and influence their teams to achieve results. They ensure employees have the knowledge, skills, and context to succeed, while providing meaningful growth opportunities and challenging assignments.
   
   They know how to engage people to reach their highest potential.
   
   Key question: Can your leaders motivate their teams to perform at their peak?
4. Expand their Perspective
   Effective leaders avoid a narrow, task-only focus. They connect employees’ work to the bigger picture, align strategies with organizational goals, and help teams anticipate and adapt to change.
   
   They think strategically about people and business outcomes, ensuring decisions today support success tomorrow.
   
   Key question: Do your leaders scan the environment inside and outside the organization to gain insights that move the business and its people forward?
5. Do What’s Right
   The best leaders operate with high ethical standards and a strong moral compass. They resist the pressures of workplace politics, deadlines, and budgets when making decisions, consistently modeling integrity in action.
   
   Key question: Do your leaders exemplify corporate values and set a positive example?

The Bottom Line
Effective leaders are not born — they are developed through intentional effort, reflection, and support. With a clear understanding of what it takes to cultivate strong leadership, how does your organization’s leadership development program measure up?

To learn more about how to develop better leaders, download How to Fast Track Your Leaders with Just-in-Time Action Learning

by Tristam Brown: CEO

Tristam Brown is an executive business consultant and organizational development expert with more than three decades of experience helping organizations accelerate performance, build high-impact teams, and turn strategy into execution. As CEO of LSA Global, he works with leaders to get and stay aligned™ through research-backed strategy, culture, and talent solutions that produce measurable, business-critical results. See full bio.