Development of Future Leaders

Abstract

Numerous leadership books, workshops, and forums have been created to prepare public relations practitioners as PR leaders. When the importance of developing future leaders is discussed, Grossman pointed out its urgency from the organizational leadership perspective. Grossman further highlighted General Electric (GE) CEO Jack Welch's emphasis on developing talent and the process of gardening and nourishing future leaders. Many Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapters across the United States have taken agency approaches to immerse students in leadership roles in and outside the classroom. As Berger pointed out, 'soft skills are the future', the importance of which has been one of the most consistent findings across cultures when it comes to developing future leaders. In addition to continuing to strengthen public relations research and measurement training for students and practitioners, more ethics training, business knowledge, and cultural orientation are critical pillars for constructing and supporting future public relations leaders, who must function and thrive at the global level.