Purpose
The paper aims to identify and address matching problems in leader development and to propose how these problems can be dealt with.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on previous research, traditional leadership development (LD) is criticized and alternative approaches are suggested.
Findings
This research identifies two major matching problems in traditional LD – between participant and development effort and between development effort and realities of managerial work. A context-sensitive and emergent view of LD is suggested to address these matching problems.
Practical implications
The paper illustrates the need of leader development that is addressing the complex nature of managerial work in a more holistic way and to help participants to understand how such complexities can be dealt with.
Originality/value
An alternative view of leader development is identified. It matches managers’ diversities and the realities of managerial work better than traditional leader development does.