Executive Summary

Leadership development often starts with a reasonable assumption: if people understand what effective leadership looks like and have the right skills, they will lead differently. But knowing what to do does not always translate into doing it consistently. Sustainable behavior change also requires leaders to examine what may be keeping current behaviors in place, get specific about what they will do differently, practice new responses, reflect and adjust, and work within environments that support the change.

This resource explores the gap between knowing and doing in leadership development and what helps new behaviors stick. It offers a practical, research-informed approach to understanding what makes behavior change difficult, translating intentions into action, creating opportunities for practice and feedback, and reinforcing change over time.

Inside the guide:

• What may be keeping current leadership behaviors in place
• How to move from broad development goals to specific actions
• Practical reflection questions for supporting and sustaining behavior change