Executive Leadership Development
Accelerate Executive Success with Development
Over half of executives fail, according to DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast. But high-quality executive leadership development can improve success rates by up to 50%.
So why do many companies overlook executive development? Because it’s difficult to deliver programs that meet the specific needs of every executive. And too often, executives are left to figure things out on their own.
To meet this complex set of needs, we deliver executive development built around your business context, strategic goals, and leadership roles. We combine rigorous assessment, high-impact learning, and coaching—all guided by expert partners who understand the high stakes.
Executive Development Framework
Address 4 Forces of Executive Pressure
Every executive experiences pressure differently. Personality and leadership style shape how they respond—and where they may be most vulnerable. Left unaddressed, these pressure points can derail success.
That’s why we use a proven framework to help executives understand the sources of pressure, focus their development, and lead with greater confidence. Over decades of working with senior leaders, we’ve found that executives face pressure from four key areas.
Leading the Business
Requires making complex, high-stakes decisions while balancing strategy and execution.
Leading Teams
Requires balancing competing demands while communicating clearly, inspiring diverse groups, and setting clear expectations.
Leading Across a Larger Network
Requires navigating competing agendas, building trust across functions, and aligning multiple stakeholders.
Leading Self
Requires deep self-awareness and the agility to adapt based on strengths, growth areas, and leadership style.
Sample Learning Journey
See a Sample Executive Leadership Development Program
We’ve created executive development programs that accelerate readiness for emerging senior leaders. This sample shows how we build key skills through immersive assessment, high-impact peer learning, and expert coaching—all while helping leaders address the 4 Forces of Executive Pressure.
With deep insight and transformative experiences, leaders are prepared to hit the ground running in new, complex roles.
Explore Solutions
Take a Deep Dive into Executive Development
Sustain Executive Growth over Time
Executive development isn’t one and done. To build an effective executive team, leaders need ongoing opportunities to grow and adapt. That’s why we created DDI’s leadership development subscriptions—a comprehensive and flexible solution to support long-term success.
Subscriptions include access to courses, microcourses, and online learning tools, plus assessments tied to both skills and personality. Everything connects through a research-backed competency framework designed to support your unique strategy and needs.
Have a Question?
Frequently Asked Questions About Executive Leadership Development
-
How can executive leadership development improve performance at the senior level?
Executive leadership development prepares senior leaders to better handle high-stakes decisions, lead cohesive teams, and drive strategy in a volatile environment. With targeted support, they refine critical skills, gain self-awareness, and align with organizational goals—leading to stronger performance and measurable change.
-
What is included in DDI’s executive leadership development programs?
DDI’s executive programs combine immersive assessment, high-impact learning experiences, and expert coaching to accelerate growth for senior leaders. Each program draws on assessment insights, personalized development plans, and agile coaching to drive behavior change for leaders’ current or future roles.
-
How does DDI prepare future executives for succession?
We help high-potential leaders build readiness for future executive roles through targeted development grounded in data. Our approach includes immersive day-in-the-life assessments, which act like a flight simulator to test readiness and reveal gaps early. Leaders then receive proactive coaching on executive transition challenges, so they’re set up for success from day one.
-
What makes DDI’s executive development different from other providers?
DDI stands out with an integrated approach that combines immersive behavioral assessments, personalized coaching, and group learning experiences—all aligned to the 4 Forces of Executive Pressure. We leverage decades of experience working with executives to surface challenges quickly and drive meaningful behavior change.
recommended Resources
-
Learn how Edwards built an enterprise-wide leadership development program with a focus on leading with purpose, inclusion, and influence, plus building crucial skills for senior leaders to drive company growth.
CLIENT STORYHow Edwards Develops Top Talent to Support Rapid Business Growth
8 min
-
Learn how to assess your C-suite’s strengths and vulnerabilities within a larger team mosaic and create individual and team development to eliminate gaps and strengthen bonds.
WEBINARYour 3-Year Plan: Developing the C-suite Team
60 min
-
Most executives are promoted because they’re good at their jobs. Yet about half are considered failures. We’ll demystify why executives fail and the common pitfalls to avoid it.
BLOGWhy Executives Fail—and How to Prevent It
12 min