Proposing a Leadership Program: Strategies for Securing Approval
Lindsey Leigh Hobson
April 23, 2025
Securing approval for a new leadership development program starts with a strong and strategic proposal. By engaging stakeholders early in the planning process, you can align your program with organisational goals, gather valuable input, and significantly increase the likelihood of your program being approved.
Why Proposing a Program Strategically Matters in Leadership Development
A well-prepared proposal is key to gaining stakeholder buy-in. It helps:
Align the program with organisational priorities and goals.
Demonstrate the program’s potential ROI and measurable outcomes.
Incorporate valuable stakeholder insights to strengthen the proposal.
Build credibility and trust with decision-makers.
Set the foundation for a program that is impactful and well-supported.
These strategies ensure your proposal is compelling, relevant, and positioned for approval.
How to Propose a Leadership Program
Success lies in engaging stakeholders and crafting a clear, strategic proposal:
Identify Key Stakeholders: Pinpoint executives, department heads, and team leads who will benefit from or influence the program.
Engage Stakeholders Early: Schedule conversations to understand their priorities, challenges, and goals for the upcoming financial year.
Align with Organisational Goals: Use stakeholder input to shape program objectives and demonstrate alignment with broader strategies.
Prepare a Strategic Proposal: Outline the program’s purpose, expected outcomes, and potential ROI in a concise and compelling way.
Invite Feedback and Refine: Share your proposal with stakeholders, invite feedback, and make adjustments to ensure it resonates with decision-makers.
Implementation Tips:
Identify key stakeholders early in the process.
Gather insights to align the program with organisational goals.
Prepare a concise and strategic proposal with clear objectives.
Highlight the program’s ROI and measurable outcomes.
Invite feedback to refine the proposal for maximum impact.
Putting Theory into Practice
Let’s explore a practical example, such as proposing a leadership program for first-time managers:
Identifying Needs:
Review feedback surveys and performance reviews to identify challenges, such as difficulties with team management and communication.
Engage stakeholders to confirm these challenges and explore their priorities for leadership development.
Shaping the Program:
Design a program that addresses these gaps, focusing on building confidence and competence in first-time managers.
Incorporate workshops, peer learning sessions, and real-world scenarios to ensure practical skill-building.
Building the Proposal:
Prepare a concise proposal outlining the program’s purpose, key objectives, and expected outcomes, such as improved team performance and enhanced leadership effectiveness.
Highlight how the program aligns with organisational goals and supports broader initiatives.
Securing Approval:
Present the proposal to stakeholders, supported by data and insights from feedback surveys.
Invite feedback and refine the proposal to address stakeholder input and ensure alignment with their expectations.
Key Takeaways
Engage stakeholders early to align the program with organisational goals.
Use feedback and insights to shape the program’s objectives.
Prepare a strategic proposal with clear outcomes and ROI.
Invite feedback to refine and strengthen the proposal.
Present a compelling case to secure approval and set the program up for success.
What's Next?
Ready to propose a leadership program that gets approved? Organise a time to discuss how we can help you craft a strategic proposal that aligns with organisational goals and delivers measurable outcomes.
Author Bio
Lindsey Leigh Hobson is a leadership development trainer, speaker and consultant specialising in tailored in-house initiatives. With extensive experience in program design and implementation, she helps organisations create impactful leadership development initiatives that drive real results.