Kamaldeep
05 June, 2023
Table of Contents
Did you know that while 83% of organisations believe it’s important to develop leadership qualities as a fresher, only 5% of businesses have implemented leadership development at all levels? In fact, only a few companies such as Deloitte, Allstate, and Upwork Inc., among others have incredible leadership development programmes. But the question is, if that’s the case why is leadership considered something that you should be born with? According to Forbes, the leadership market is 366 billion USD big, and yet somehow the world is struggling with a lack of leaders who are memorable.
77% of businesses report that leadership is lacking in their employees but the fact is only 10% of the people are natural leaders and other 20% show some of the traits which can be harnessed and the rest 70% can become effective leaders if they put in some effort. For them, one avenue can be pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration Programme to cultivate the right mindset. This blog explores how a DBA programme can develop leadership excellence.
“Management is about persuading people to do things they do not want to do, while leadership is about inspiring people to do things they never thought could.”
Leadership is an art that is the perfect amalgamation of skills, knowledge, and education. Education helps make things, and certain concepts, much easier. Let us take a look at some of the leadership traits that education can help develop.
Education is the building block for leadership development. Formal education helps students to learn, and navigate complex challenges in their respective domains. Whether it is in business, politics, or any other field, leaders with strong educational backgrounds possess a deeper understanding of their industry, enabling them to make informed decisions.
In fact, leaders with higher levels of education have better strategic thinking and problem-solving skills as per the study by the Center for Creative Leadership. In addition to that, the study also said that education enhances cognitive abilities and equips leaders with the intellectual tools necessary for their professional careers.
According to a survey conducted by McKinsey & Company, organisations with leaders who rank higher on critical thinking metrics are 17% more likely to be high-performing. This stands as a testimony to the fact that education, critical thinking, and leadership are directly proportional.
In today’s fast-paced and dynamic world, leaders must possess the ability to adapt to change. According to the World Economic Forum, 86% of business leaders believed that to make it to the top, leaders should have a mix of traits such as adaptability and problem-solving.
“Leadership is a way of thinking, a way of acting, and, most importantly, a way of communicating.”
Education equips leaders with strong communication skills, enabling them to articulate their vision, inspire others, and help with team collaborations. Education not only enhances verbal and written communication skills but also inculcates active listening and empathy which are essential for understanding diverse perspectives and building strong relationships.
DBA programmes provide a unique opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of strategic management principles. Through comprehensive coursework and research, students can learn and analyse complex business problems, evaluate market dynamics, and develop innovative strategies. According to a survey conducted by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, 86% of DBA graduates reported an improvement in their strategic thinking abilities.
Effective leaders rely on data to make wise and informed decisions and that’s where a DBA programme steps in. The programme emphasises on the importance of empirical research and analysis to equip students with the skills to collect and interpret data.
In today’s uncertain business environment, leaders must be adaptable and flexible. DBA programmes cultivate leadership qualities by offering various facilities for their career growth such as industry visits, case studies, and real-world challenges. According to a study, 90% of DBA graduates reported an increase in their ability to lead effectively in dynamic environments.
Thought leadership is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. DBA programmes help students to inculcate a research-oriented mindset. Hence, focusing on the contributions to academic knowledge and industry insights.
In an interconnected world, leaders must possess a mindset that can take them and their brands to places. DBA programmes offer international study opportunities and expose them to diverse perspectives. According to the QS Global Employer Survey, 92% of employers believed that DBA graduates demonstrate a greater understanding of global business issues, making them valuable assets.
A DBA programme can significantly enhance leadership excellence among students by helping them develop a strategic mindset. Through coursework that is at par with the global education system, data-driven decision-making, leadership agility, thought leadership, and global exposure, DBA graduates can help take an organisation to the next level and give it the right kick. The numbering, as we have discussed above, seems quite promising. Hence, investing in a DBA degree is not just investing in education, rather it’s a decision to become a leader in the near future.
Leadership is a journey and it continues for a long time but a DBA programme can assist you at every step of the way and perhaps make it a little shorter.
