If you’ve been in business for a while, you already know one thing: good employees keep the company moving, but good leaders keep the company growing. The problem is, most people don’t magically know how to lead the moment they’re promoted. They need guidance, tools, and practice. That’s why leadership development has become such an important part of employee training.
But here’s the catch there are dozens of programs out there, and everyone claims to have “the best.” So where do you actually look? And more importantly, how do you tell if it’s worth your time and money? Let’s walk through it together.
Why Leadership Development Should Be Part of Employee Training
Think about the last time a strong employee got promoted into management. Did they thrive right away, or did they struggle a little? Most of the time, even the most talented people stumble when they’re suddenly responsible for leading others.
That’s not because they’re bad employees. It’s because leadership is a completely different skill set. You’re no longer just doing the job you’re motivating, guiding, and sometimes correcting the people doing the job. That’s tough.
This is why leadership development isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore. It’s one of the smartest investment companies can make in their people.
Where to Actually Find Good Leadership Training
So, if you’re convinced (and you should be), the next step is figuring out where to go. Here are the main places businesses usually look:
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Local Training & Consulting Firms
Local partners are great because they understand your community and can tailor programs to your industry. For example, at Forysta Group in Simpsonville, SC, the focus is on building programs that fit the unique challenges of supply chain, logistics, and operations. That kind of customization is hard to beat.
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Universities & Business Schools
Many colleges run executive programs or short leadership courses. These can be excellent if you want structure and credibility. The downside? They’re often expensive and may not address your company’s day-to-day challenges.
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Online Courses
Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning make it easy to train from anywhere. They’re affordable and flexible, but they’re also one-size-fits-all. If your team needs hands-on practice, these might not go far enough.
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Industry Associations
Some professional groups run leadership workshops specific to their field. This works well if your business is in a specialized industry like logistics or healthcare, where challenges are very specific.
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Private Coaches
Executive coaching is more personal, almost like hiring a mentor. It can be pricey, but if you’ve got a few high-potential leaders, it’s worth considering.
What Makes a Program “The Best”?
It’s not about fancy presentations or buzzwords. The best leadership training usually checks a few boxes:
- It’s practical (not just theory from a textbook).
- It’s relevant to your industry.
- It’s affordable enough that you can train more than just one or two people.
- It includes some follow-up or accountability so skills don’t fade after the first week.
In short, the best program is the one that sticks.
A Real Example
I worked with a mid-sized company not long ago that had been struggling with turnover. Employees kept leaving, and when we looked closer, the issue wasn’t pay it was management. Supervisors were promoted without any training.
We ran a leadership development program for them over six months, focusing on communication and coaching. The result? Turnover dropped, morale went up, and the supervisors themselves said they finally felt confident in their roles.
That’s what good leadership training should do make an actual difference.
The Takeaway
Finding the best leadership development program for your employees isn’t about finding the biggest name or the cheapest option. It’s about finding something that fits your people, your industry, and your long-term goals.
If you’re in Simpsonville, SC or anywhere in the U.S., a tailored program through a group like Forysta Group might be exactly what you need. And even if you choose another route, the key is simple: don’t leave leadership up to chance. Train your people, and they’ll grow your business.
👉 Curious what this looks like in practice? Reach out to Forysta Group and let’s talk about building leaders who last.
