Business leadership associations offer support, training and guidance for small and large businesses. Leadership in an organization is likely to benefit from external support and a variety of tools that promote improved leadership capacity and skill development. A successful business leadership organization supports all employees from the ground up and establishes effective relationships with employees with the potential to become future leaders.

Leadership in organizations benefits from outside expertise in a variety of fields. In many ways, business organization leaders serve as mentors to current and future leaders as a source of inspiration and knowledge. A successful business leadership group embraces organizations and identifies their key strengths and weaknesses to promote effective leadership over the long term.

1. Organizations must identify their leadership style and select councils for business leadership that embrace these strengths.

2. Information about leadership associations is available online and in print in local libraries and council offices.

3. Business organization leaders lead employees by example, and therefore, support long term organizational objectives.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join a business leadership organization with a specific focus

Many business leadership groups emphasize specific areas of leadership development and offer training and guidance for special needs. Leadership in organizations acquires the benefits of these associations through membership and an introduction to its mission and objectives.

I recommend: The USBLN (US Business Leadership Network) offers leadership guidance for organizations to effectively manage disabilities in the workplace. Catalyst is an organization specifically designed to advance female participation in leadership positions in small and large organizations.

Support leadership organizations that offer human resources assistance

Many human resources departments do not possess strong tools that promote leadership in an organization. They often require additional support from outside organizations that specialize in human resources management and leadership.

I recommend: SHRM, or Society for Human Resource Management, encourages professional development and leadership activities in human resource departments. The Ohio State University offers human resources leadership consulting for faculty members and other university leaders.

Identify business leadership associations that offer consulting services

Many organizations are weak in the area of leadership development. Therefore, it is important to seek outside consultants to evaluate current organizational trends and to expand professional development. Many business leadership associations offer these services to employers for a variety of leadership positions.

I recommend: The Vistage Key Executive Program supports senior executive leadership through individualized coaching and small group dialogue. SmithBucklin offers leadership and strategy development for nonprofit organizations seeking guidance regarding a variety of important issues.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Seek leadership councils in your region or in a nearby metropolitan area to obtain specific guidance regarding leadership objectives.
• •  National leadership organizations are a good way to network with other leaders in similar organizations, as well as business leaders in different business divisions.