The document emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders in a leader's development process to enhance organizational outcomes. It argues that leaders often overlook the insights and influence of stakeholders, which can negatively impact their perceived effectiveness and growth. By engaging stakeholders, leaders can foster a culture of openness, improve perceptions of their behavior, and ensure a more collaborative and responsible approach to leadership development.

1. INVOLVING STAKEHOLDERS IN LEADER’S
DEVELOPMENT
STAKE HOLDERS
ISSUE NO. 71 • JUNE 2017 • NIRVEDHA.COM
S U D H A K A R R E D D Y G A D E
S T A K E H O L D E R C E N T E R E D G R O W T H

2. Involving stakeholders in Leader’s Development
ILeaders are usually a lonely breed within their
organisation. They typically have overwhelming desire
to add their two cents to every discussion. They also fail
to see that they are treating someone unfairly. Their
position is higher than most and not many people can
ask them questions. However, with this stature comes
with a humungous responsibility towards all the
stakeholders of the business. It is only natural than that
these stakeholders be involved in the leader’s
development process to bring out the best results for
the organisation. It is straightforward and common for
an executive to blame his supervisor or colleagues for
his career’s slow progress. These executives look for
ways to bypass these partners undertake a secluded
path to professional development.
Shutting out stakeholders is wrong
I, for one, am strictly opposed to this approach. I view
the involvement of stakeholders as an essential
component of the journey towards leadership
development. The reasons for this are basic. Firstly, no
two verticals in an organisation are entirely isolated. The
interdependent nature of work in these organisations
means that the implications of a leader’s decisions felt
by all the stakeholders which justify their direct interest
in the leader’s behaviour and professional development.
Keeping the interested parties in the loop during the
It is only natural than that these
stakeholders be involved in the
leader's development process to
bring out the best results for the
organisation.
NIRVEDHA | JUNE 2017 19
coaching process also puts an adequate responsibility
on the executive who can positively drive his
development journey. Involvement of stakeholders
gives an impression that you are ready to listen and you
value their interest in the organisation. An active
participation of stakeholders is also an integral part of
corporate governance.
IWhat stakeholders think is important
As a leader, what others think about you or your skills is
important. However out of your control, they may be,
but their perceptions towards your leadership skills do
count. It is why, perhaps, I emphasise on the
involvement of stakeholders in the leadership
development process. It is essential to bring out a
change in the perception of the stakeholders about the
behaviour of the leader.

3. NIRVEDHA | JUNE 2017 19
While it is not an overnight process, a gradual
improvement in their understanding towards the leader
would augur extremely well for the organisation.
So the next time you are thinking about going on a
leadership resurgence journey with your executive
coach, do not plan it as a hush – hush process. Rather,
involve all the stakeholders to let them know that you
are making efforts to evolve into a much better version
of yourself.