Programme Planning, Implementation and Evalution

PROGRAMME PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION 2(1+1)

Lesson 13 : Training of Leaders

Methods of Leadership Training

Both formal and informal methods of training are used to train the leaders. Formal methods of leadership training are structured to achieve specific goals and are set by someone to train and develop leadership in others. Informal methods of training the leaders are not structured but are those which the individual utilizes in personal leadership.

1. Formal Method:
   The leaders take advantage of formal training programmes in the desire of becoming a better leader. Formal methods of imparting training are:
1. Lecture: It is the most common and popular method to train leaders and gives enough material for thought, but little opportunity for self expression. The lecture method is quite effective if used in combination with other methods, depending on the objectives to be achieved.
2. Discussion and Workshop: It is a long meeting from one day to several weeks, involving the delegates in whom the problems discussed are considered by delegates in small groups and in the end, the workshop produces something i.e. a report, a publication or any other obtained after discussion.
3. Forum, Panel, Symposium: In a panel or forum, three to four individuals explain certain phases of a particular subject. In a symposium, two or more speakers discuss on the same issue with different points of view.
4. Audio-visuals: Include role playing, drama and demonstration.
5. Field Trips: Leaders visit other groups and organizations and observe the action and behaviour of a successful organization.
6. Apprenticeship: Leaders observe people operating, with a view to learn some of the activities and handling problems. This gives a better understanding of the work to be done.
7. Conference: In this method, several leaders attend the training sessions at the same time and reinforce each other with their own experiences.
8. Direct assistance from experts: This is in the form of advice given by experts.
9. Buzz groups: Groups are subdivided into small groups and each has its own chairman. The proceedings of each group are recorded which gives an opportunity to lead discussion and practice leadership roles.


2. Informal methods
1. Observation: Keeping a watch on performance of others.
2. Reading: Reading printed material such as circulars, bulletins, news letters etc.
3. Talking: Discussing with other leaders in the same or related field of interest.