​Development is also more likely to occur when the design of the development program:

• ​Integrates a range of developmental experiences over a set period of time (e.g. 6–12 months). These experiences may include 360 degree feedback, experiential classroom style programs, business school style coursework, executive coaching, reflective journaling, mentoring and more.
• Involve goal setting, following an assessment of key developmental needs and then evaluate the achievement of goals after a given time period.

Among key concepts in leadership development one may find:

1. Experiential learning: positioning the individual in the focus of the learning process, going through the four stages of experiential learning as formulated by David A. Kolb: 1. concrete experience 2. observation and reflection 3. forming abstract concept 4. testing in new situations.
2. Self efficacy: The right training and coaching should bring about
3. 'Self efficacy' in the trainee, as Albert Bandura formulated: A person's belief about his capabilities to produce effects
4. Visioning: Developing the ability to formulate a clear image of the aspired future of an organization unit.

A good personal leadership development program should enable you to develop a plan that helps you gain essential leadership skills required for roles across a wide spectrum from a youth environment to the corporate world.

These characteristics include:

• Taking responsibility
• Gaining focus
• Developing life purpose
• Starting action immediately
• Developing effective and achievable goals and dreams.