After three days, the 2017 NFL Draft is over. What can we learn about leadership development from it?
Leadership development compared with the NFL Draft
Leadership development seems very different from the NFL Draft. One is a highly structured, rule-drenched system that is the primary recruiting method for National Football League teams. The other is the highly variable way businesses select and develop leaders for the present and future. Those differences are real, but there are a couple of ways that the two activities are similar.
Leadership development, the NFL Draft, and the time frame
Both leadership development and the draft must consider two time horizons. The organizations involved have work to do today and they need qualified people to do that work. But both companies and football teams should think about the future. Both must assess growth and development potential.
Leadership development, the NFL Draft and “talentâ€
We throw the word “talent†around a lot, usually as if it’s something you can apply anywhere. The NFL draft process is a good reminder that a person who may be a great fit for one organization might not even survive in a different one.
Bottom Line
If you’re responsible for developing leaders, here are two things to remember. Your job is to help men and women become capable of leading teams at all levels today and tomorrow. Your challenge is to find and develop the right people for your company and its situation.
