Leadership training courses are a dime a dozen – but not every provider delivers what they promise. We explain what content really belongs in a leadership training course – and what is often sold as a “must-have” but in reality offers little added value. Because one thing is certain: your time is too valuable for empty phrases.
Leadership training: Learning to lead – but the right way.
Good leadership is not an innate skill – it is a craft that needs to be learned and continuously improved. But anyone looking for leadership training is quickly faced with a flood of offers: From practical workshops to seminars full of theoretical models that have little application in reality.
So the key question is: what content makes a management training course really valuable – and what is just expensive blah-blah? High-quality training not only imparts knowledge, but also develops real skills that managers need in their day-to-day work. It starts exactly where traditional management concepts reach their limits – and ensures that managers become real leaders.
But what are the building blocks of successful training?
The 5 essential contents of excellent leadership training
Leadership means much more than simply assigning tasks or making decisions. If you want to be successful as a manager in the long term, you need a broad set of skills – from self-reflection and communication skills to the ability to manage change effectively.
But what content should a high-quality management training course actually teach?
The following five building blocks are essential in order to grow not only as a manager, but also as a true leader.
1. self-reflection & personal development: leadership starts with yourself
One of the most common misconceptions among managers is the assumption that leadership is primarily a question of specialist knowledge and authority. But the reality is different: Good leadership starts with self-knowledge.
Why is this so important?
Employees don’t follow titles – they follow people. A manager who does not know their own values, strengths and weaknesses will hardly be able to lead others credibly and authentically. Self-reflection helps to understand one’s own leadership style, to recognize inner blockages and to work specifically on one’s own further development.
How is this taught in a good training course?
- Personality analyses such as the Big Five model or the MBTI test help you to better understand your own character and leadership style.
- 360-degree feedback gives you honest, anonymous feedback from colleagues, employees and superiors – often with astonishing insights.
- Reflection exercises & coaching methods support you in regularly questioning yourself: What values drive me? How do I come across to others? Where do I see potential for improvement?
Practical example:
A company introduces management training with 360-degree feedback. A participant who considered herself a particularly clear and assertive manager realizes through the feedback that many employees perceive her as unapproachable and lacking empathy. Through targeted self-reflection and coaching techniques, she works on her communication and significantly improves teamwork.
2. communication skills & leadership: plain speaking with sensitivity
Leadership is 80% communication. Managers who are unable to communicate clearly and empathetically will unintentionally cause misunderstandings, conflicts and uncertainty in the team.
Why is this so important?
Good communication creates trust, increases motivation and ensures that goals are clearly understood and achieved. It’s not just about passing on information – it’s also about active listening, dealing with emotions and an appreciative feedback culture.
How is this taught in a good training course?
- Active listening: Methods such as paraphrasing or mirroring emotions help to really understand what moves employees.
- Constructive feedback: The WWW method (“perception – impact – desire”) or the sandwich technique improve feedback discussions and promote an open corporate culture.
- Mastering difficult discussions: Conflict discussions, salary negotiations or termination interviews – these situations are realistically simulated in good training courses.
Practical example:
A team leader has difficulties with an employee who regularly misses deadlines. Instead of giving him a warning, he implements a new communication strategy: He listens actively, asks specifically about challenges and gives constructive feedback using the WWW method. The result? The employee feels understood, the problem is clearly defined – and cooperation improves in the long term.
3. decision making & problem solving: clear heads instead of endless meetings
Managers are faced with complex decisions every day. But many fall into “analysis paralysis”: they gather endless amounts of information, weigh up the options endlessly – and ultimately fail to make a clear decision.
Why is this so important?
A good manager has to make decisions, even in the face of uncertainty. Whether it’s personnel decisions, strategic decisions or crisis management – if you hesitate, you risk productivity and trust in the team.
How is this taught in a good training course?
- Decision-making models such as the Eisenhower matrix or the Pareto principle help to set priorities correctly.
- Scenario planning: Real decision-making cases are simulated in workshops, e.g. to run through the consequences of different courses of action.
- Critical thinking: Methods such as Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats” help to look at a problem from different perspectives.
Practical example:
A department head has to decide whether his team should introduce new software. Instead of going round in circles for months, he uses the Eisenhower matrix for prioritization and the pro-con analysis to make a quick and well-founded decision.
4. change management & agility: actively shaping change
Whether digitalization, restructuring or new business models – change is the only constant in a company. Successful managers must not only manage change, but actively shape it.
Why is this so important?
Studies show that 70% of all change processes fail – often due to poor leadership. Employees need clear communication, motivation and a strong vision in order to support change.
How is this conveyed in good training?
- Change management models such as Kotter’s 8-step model show how change processes can be successfully implemented.
- Agile leadership methods such as Scrum for managers help to promote flexibility and innovation in the team.
- Resilience strategies help to recognize resistance and deal with it effectively.
Practical example:
A company introduces new software. Instead of throwing employees in at the deep end, the management uses the Kotter model: it creates a clear vision, communicates at an early stage and secures the acceptance of the team through small successes.
5. resilience & stress management: staying strong when the going gets tough
Pressure, high levels of responsibility, constant availability – managers are often under stress. But only those who take care of themselves can lead others successfully.
Why is this so important?
Chronic stress leads to poor decisions, demotivation and burnout. Resilient managers are better able to deal with crises and remain capable of acting even in difficult situations.
How is this taught in a good training course?
- Mindfulness methods such as meditation or journaling reduce stress and increase concentration.
- Stress management strategies help to recognize mental stress at an early stage and take countermeasures.
- Work-life integration shows how managers can harmonize work and private life.
Practical example:
A managing director introduces a “no-meeting-Wednesday” rule to create time for concentrated work and reflection. Productivity increases, as does employee satisfaction.
Dubious content in management training courses
Not every leadership training program delivers what it promises. While some programs teach practical methods and strengthen real leadership skills, there are also many that offer little more than expensive motivational speeches or superficial theoretical models.
But how can you tell whether a training course really has added value – or is just wasting your time and budget? These four warning signs will help you to spot ineffective training.
1. too much theory, too little practice
Leadership is not a science that can be understood in textbooks alone – it thrives on experience, interaction and application. Yet many training courses consist largely of dry lectures on leadership theories, psychological models or complex diagrams.
Why is this problematic?
Theory is a valuable foundation – but if it is not combined with practical exercises, it often remains ineffective. The best leaders not only have leadership knowledge, but also the ability to apply this knowledge in their day-to-day leadership.
How do you recognize this in poor training?
- One-sided PowerPoint battles: When trainers mainly read out slides instead of doing interactive exercises.
- Hardly any role plays or case studies: Leadership situations should be trained in realistic scenarios – if this is missing, caution is advised.
- Lack of individual reflection: Every team is different – if the training offers no opportunity for self-reflection, it is of little value.
Practical example:
A training course only teaches the iceberg model of communication – without the participants applying it in role plays. The result? The managers are unable to transfer the knowledge to their everyday lives and leave the seminar with nice theories, but no practical tools.
Better: a good training course combines theory with practice. Instead of just talking about feedback rules, participants should simulate real feedback discussions – followed by professional coaching.
“Be a leader, not a boss!” – Sounds good, doesn’t it? But this is precisely where the problem lies: many training courses consist of hackneyed phrases that motivate in the short term but do not provide any real tools for day-to-day management.
Why is this problematic?
Motivation alone is not enough. Managers need clear, practicable strategies to lead their teams. Training that is limited to general wisdom is ineffective when participants return to their day-to-day work.
How do you recognize this in a bad training course?
- Lots of blah-blah, little content: When the trainer talks more about his personal success story than about concrete methods.
- No clear strategies: If questions such as “How can I conduct difficult employee appraisals?” are followed by vague answers – and you learn nothing new.
- Lack of transfer to everyday life: If there are no exercises or checklists to help participants apply what they have learned.
Practical example:
A training course propagates the “growth mindset” – but instead of showing concrete methods of how managers can promote a growth-oriented mindset in their team, it sticks to phrases like “Stay open to change”.
Better: A high-quality training course gives you specific instructions – for example, how to promote a growth mindset in the team with targeted questions (“How can you do it differently next time?”).
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3. Methods that are not scientifically sound
Good leadership is based on proven methods – not on esoteric concepts or questionable personality tests. However, some training courses sell techniques that have long been refuted or never scientifically proven.
Why is this problematic?
Those who rely on pseudoscience risk ineffective leadership – and in the worst case, poor decisions. Leaders should rely on proven models and sound research rather than concepts that just sound good.
How do you recognize this in bad training?
- “Revolutionary leadership techniques” are promised that supposedly change everything – but there are no studies on their effectiveness.
- Methods are based on questionable personality tests (e.g. the “four-color test” or the biorhythm approach).
- Over-generalization: “Every manager should do X” – in reality, leadership is individual and depends on context and team.
Practical example:
A training course relies on the DISG model (a controversial typology that divides people into four colors) to improve leadership skills. However, instead of teaching real leadership techniques, the participants rely on rigid personality pigeonholes – and overlook the individual strengths and weaknesses of their employees.
Better: Well-founded models such as Blanchard’s Situational Leadership, the Harvard Negotiation Model or 360-degree feedback have been proven to have a positive influence on leadership success.
4. One-size-fits-all approaches without individual adaptation
Every company, every team and every manager is different. Yet some training courses sell standard solutions that supposedly work for every manager – regardless of industry, corporate culture or personal leadership style.
Why is this problematic?
Leadership is not a rigid concept that fits every situation. Those who pursue a one-size-fits-all solution ignore the individual challenges and dynamics of modern teams.
How do you recognize this in poor training?
- There is no individual needs analysis – the training is the same for all participants.
- No opportunity to reflect on your own leadership style – everyone is given the same “one-size-fits-all” solution.
- Hardly any adaptation to specific company challenges – the content could just as well be for a different industry.
Practical example:
An automotive group sends managers to a standard seminar that was actually developed for start-ups. The result? Much of the content is not applicable to the complex corporate structure – the training remains ineffective.
Better: an effective training course adapts to the specific needs of the participants. This includes individual case studies, tailor-made exercises and discussions about real challenges in your own company.
What you should look out for when choosing a leadership seminar
Choosing a good leadership training course is no easy task. In view of the large number of offers, it is crucial to separate the wheat from the chaff and opt for a training course that really offers sustainable added value.
High-quality training must be practical, scientifically sound and tailored to the individual challenges of the participants. To avoid investing in an expensive but ineffective training course, this guide will help you choose an excellent leadership training course.
Step 1: Clarify your own goals and needs
Before you book a training course, you should ask yourself: What exactly do I want to improve? Leadership is a broad field – and not every training course covers the same content.
Questions for self-reflection:
- What challenges am I currently experiencing in my leadership role? (Junior managers, for example, often experience different challenges to “old hands”)
- Are there specific situations in which I feel insecure (e.g. difficult conversations, change management, team leadership)?
- Would I rather improve soft skills (communication, resilience) or hard skills (strategic leadership, decision-making)?
- What type of training best suits my learning style (workshop, coaching, online course)?
Tip: Write down 3-5 specific learning objectives that the training should fulfill.
Step 2: Check the practical relevance of the training
A good leadership training course should not only impart theoretical knowledge, but also concrete tools and techniques that you can use in your everyday life.
Checklist for practical training:
- Are there role plays, case studies or simulations?
- Are concrete leadership situations from everyday life practiced?
- Does the training include interactive elements and impulses, or is it purely a frontal lecture?
- Are real leadership situations analyzed and reflected upon?
Warning signs:
- One-sided lectures without practical exercises
- Hardly any transfer aids for everyday work
- “Patent solutions” that are supposed to be the same for every manager
Tip: Ask about the exact course of the training. A provider who only makes vague statements should be treated with caution.
Step 3: Pay attention to scientifically sound methods
Leadership is not esoteric – it is based on sound findings from psychology, organizational development and management research. Good training should use tried and tested methods.
Proven concepts & models:
- Situational leadership according to Blanchard – How do I adapt my leadership style to my employees?
- Harvard negotiation model – How do I conduct confident and fair negotiations?
- Kotter’s 8-step model – How do I successfully implement change?
- 360-degree feedback – How do I receive honest feedback on my leadership behavior?
Warning signs:
- Pseudoscientific personality tests (“color types”, “birth month personalities”)
- Promises such as “revolutionary leadership methods” that supposedly change everything
- No verifiable sources or studies to back up the methods
Tip: Ask about the theoretical basis of the training. A good provider will be able to explain exactly which scientific models their content is based on.
Step 4: Check the qualifications of the trainers
The best leadership training courses stand and fall with the trainers. A charismatic speaker is not automatically a good coach – it depends on whether they themselves have experience in leadership work.
Important questions about trainer qualifications:
- Does the trainer have leadership experience in companies themselves?
- Does he have a sound education (e.g. in coaching, psychology, organizational development)?
- Are there references or testimonials from other participants?
Warning signs:
- Trainers who have never been managers themselves
- Hardly any verifiable references or evaluations
- Pure motivational speakers with no specialist background
Tip: Take a look at LinkedIn profiles or testimonials from previous participants.
Step 5: Pay attention to customization options
Every company, every team and every manager has different challenges. Training that addresses individual needs is much more effective than a standardized program.
Checklist for customized training:
- Is a needs analysis carried out in advance?
- Is it possible to bring in your own practical cases?
- Do participants receive individual feedback?
Warning signs:
- “One-size-fits-all” concepts without customization
- Hardly any opportunities to discuss your own leadership situations
- Tip: Good providers conduct a discussion before the training to understand the individual needs of the participants.
Step 6: Check the sustainable transfer of learning
The biggest mistake in leadership training? Everything continues as before after the seminar. Good training does not stop after the last day of the course – it provides structures to integrate what has been learned into everyday working life in the long term.
Characteristics of sustainable training:
- Are there follow-up sessions or coaching after the training?
- Do participants receive work materials, checklists or reflection exercises?
- Is there a community or an exchange with other participants?
Warning signs:
- No accompanying material or follow-up support
- “One-and-done” training without long-term support
Tip: Ask how the training ensures that you can apply what you have learned in the long term.
triangility: expertise in customized management development
In a constantly changing business world, innovative leadership skills are the key to success. triangility GmbH offers customized leadership training that will make you and your company fit for the future.
Our training courses:
- AI for managers: Understand the basics of artificial intelligence and learn how to use AI strategically in your company.
- New Leadership Training: Acquire principles, skills and tools for modern leadership in a dynamic working world.
- Data Driven Leadership: Use data intelligently, make informed decisions and lead your company successfully in the data-driven economy.
- Hybrid leadership training: Master the challenges of the hybrid working world and effectively integrate virtual and face-to-face leadership.
- VR training for managers: Experience immersive learning methods through virtual reality and develop future skills in an interactive environment.
Our programs are flexibly designed and available as face-to-face or online formats. They are aimed at managers at all levels who want to expand their skills and meet current and future challenges.
Benefit from our expertise and actively shape the future of your company. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation and find out more about our customized training solutions.
triangility – your partner for sustainable leadership development.
