Why Generic Leadership Courses Don't Work (And How to Get Better ROI on Your Training Budget)

You started your business because you're good at something. But as you grow, that's no longer enough: knowing how to lead is just as vital to your success. 

Short of enrolling in business school, what's the solution?

Going on a leadership course?

Companies send managers out on them every day, so they must work, right?

Well... not necessarily. 

Courses sound fabulous on paper, but a lot of people come to me feeling shortchanged after sacrificing a full day or even weeks out of the business and investing valuable budget.

So... what's the alternative?

If you're after real, lasting ROI, there's a better way to use your training budget - keep reading to find out more. 

What's wrong with generic leadership and management courses?

I'm not here to bash courses - there are some good ones - but I see the same issues cropping up with a lot of them. 

Built on the same foundations

Despite all the fancy names for different leadership styles (authentic, ethical, transformational), this 2024 study revealed most measure the same thing: how much employees like a leader, rather than what they actually do.

Style over substance

People often say once you’ve done one, you've done them all - it's the same old stuff repackaged.

Ideals, not specifics

Courses often focus on ideals, like “be more inspiring" rather than practical behaviours - for example, “how to run a more effective 1-1".

They ignore how leadership actually works

People lead people - and many leadership skills courses overlook the importance of building trust and relationships.

No accountability

Without personalised support or ongoing check-ins, most managers forget what they learned after a few weeks back in the organisation.  

Achieve effective leadership with custom-designed programmes and real world guidance

So, what's the alternative if you want to become a better leader or support your colleagues stepping into leadership roles?

Bespoke corporate coaching.

I work with visionary leaders to build engaged, high-performing teams through honest, no-nonsense coaching support and strategies.

We combine professional development and personal growth in a way that's completely customised around you and your team, designed to deliver impactful results you can see - and measure.

Custom-designed programmes, fun and proactive group sessions, lightbulb-moment 1-1s - your coaching package is shaped around your needs and people. 

I say it's high time we moved away from generic courses and outdated leadership models, and turned our attention to a personalised, practical approach.

Instead of models and textbooks, let's focus on relationships and personalities.  

When we work together, you and your leaders aren’t studying dry, vague theory. 

They’re growing and learning to:

• Communicate clearly with different personalities

• Handle conflict without drama

• Motivate teams with clarity, not fear

• Show true people management at all levels 

• Develop emotional intelligence and build better relationships.

Gimmick-free growth over generic leadership courses 

If you've tried in person or online leadership courses and you and your managers are still struggling to get the best from your teams, it's time to try something different.

Strategic leadership coaching brings a modern and personalised approach that builds better relationships and aligns with your organisational values and mission. 

And everyone benefits - managers, employees, and the business, according to the findings of the 2024 leadership study with 4,000 participants across multiple countries and industries:

"Prioritising relationship-building with followers can be a powerful lever to foster better organisational, team, and individual outcomes." (Fischer et al., 2024)

The modern way to fulfil your leadership potential 

Choosing personalised coaching over a generic training course is like investing in a custom dress rather than grabbing one off the sale rack.

The sale option looks fine, but it's not designed for your body shape and preferences. After a couple of wears, you'll probably chuck it in the charity bag.

Tailored coaching, on the other hand, is made to order.

It's designed around your shape, your goals, your team, your gaps. It’s the perfect fit that sees you through countless circumstances and challenges.

The custom option may involve a little more investment upfront, but you'll still be reaping the benefits long into the future, making it a no-brainer in terms of cost-per-wear.

After all, the cheap, mass-produced option is often a false economy anyway.

I'm Liz, the Bold Moves Coach, and I'd love to support you and your team with honest, practical leadership development that moves your business forward.

It starts with a friendly, no obligation chat - let's get it in the diary.