Leadership Training for Managers: An Adlerian Approach

Adlerian theory—a social model of human behavior—provides an effective framework to improve managerial practices and enhance organizational leadership. Developed by Alfred Adler (1870-1937), founder of the influential school of Individual Psychology, Adlerian theory promotes principles of social interest, democracy, and encouragement. These principles may be especially useful in training leaders to build collaborative, productive workforces through participative management, coaching, and employee engagement. Experiential training exercises that integrate Adlerian principles can help managers expand their interpersonal competencies and increase leadership effectiveness.