Leaders often fail to embrace the skills they’ll need for the future due to four primary reasons. First, they may be overconfident, assuming they’ve mastered all necessary skills. Second, they may be overly focused on the present, neglecting to plan for future demands. Third, they may be trapped in traditional thinking, resistant to change and innovation. Finally, they may be hindered by a fear of failure, avoiding the risks associated with learning new skills.
To overcome these obstacles, leaders should adopt a growth mindset, viewing their abilities as adaptable rather than fixed. They should also prioritise long-term planning, anticipating future challenges and preparing accordingly. Embracing change and innovation is crucial, as is the willingness to take calculated risks.
Moreover, leaders should seek feedback from their teams, using it as a tool for self-improvement. They should also invest in continuous learning, whether through formal education, self-study, or on-the-job training. By doing so, they can ensure they’re equipped with the skills necessary to lead effectively in the future.
To summarise, leaders often struggle to develop future-oriented skills due to overconfidence, short-term focus, resistance to change, and fear of failure. To combat these issues, they should adopt a growth mindset, plan for the future, embrace change, take risks, seek feedback, and commit to lifelong learning.
Go to source article: https://hbr.org/2018/10/why-leaders-dont-embrace-the-skills-theyll-need-for-the-future