I think there are a few reasons for the poor perception of the leadership development solutions.

One is that most companies have the wrong definition of what leadership is. If you equate leadership with management and what you call a leadership course is actually management training, then you have taught process and not people.

Another is that what many organizations look for is the quick fix. As was pointed out, it's not something where you attend a class and now you are great leader or read a book or see a coach a couple of times. Becoming an excellent leader is, as you mentioned, a shaping that occurs over time.

Still another is that we tell someone, you need to be a better leader so we are going to put you in this program. External motivation like that will not yield the results we desire. For a leader to truly develop, we have to create the environment where they will find motivation within; because at the heart of it if they are not motivated they will not push themselves into areas of discomfort. If they won't push themselves, they won't grow and all will be for naught.

Good, thoughtful article.