Strategic leadership competencies: what is it and how to develop it?

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the nature of strategic leader competencies and the learning methodologies that should be used to develop them. Design/methodology/approach: A review of the literature on strategizing was done to formulate a model of strategic leadership competencies. This paper also draws from various work on learning to propose how strategic leadership competencies program should be designed. Findings: The literature highlights the importance of incorporating deliberate practice, experience density, reflective learning and mentoring into strategic leadership development programs. Research limitations/implications: This is a conceptual work that draws from secondary material. Further empirical examination can help validate the ideas proposed here. Practical implications: This paper provides a better understanding of how developing strategic leadership competencies are distinct from other leadership programs. It also provides practitioners with an understanding on how to design their strategic leadership development programs. Originality/value: This paper adds a new dimension to the discourse on strategic leadership development programs by bringing together learning theories from sports education and managerial learning.