Change is something we encounter every day. Sometimes it occurs quietly and we don’t even notice it. At other times it is loud and disruptive. However, it seems like we are usually better at noticing change than adjusting to it. As an honest individual once told me, “I love change…until it impacts me”.
Change is quickly (and quietly) impacting how we develop leaders. Or more precisely, it should be impacting how we develop leaders. In an insightful HBR article, Jesuthasan and Holmstrom remind us, “as work changes [and it is!] our leadership development has to keep up”. They provide three important areas where leadership development must adjust to meet the needs of our changing organizations.
In the past seven years, Uber has changed the way our taxi system works. This change has been rapid and dramatic. Similarly, our leadership development model is in the midst of a quiet uberization. The way we used to do things just don’t work in our business environment any more.
Your leadership development opportunities are abundant. However, they are not all relevant. As you look for ways to enhance your leadership ensure that your opportunities equip you to lead digitally, blend theory and practice and involve ongoing coaching opportunities. These are the leadership skills which will equip you to be a future-ready leader.
Jeff Suderman is a futurist, consultant, and professor who works in the field of organizational development. He partners with clients to improve culture, leadership, teamwork, organizational alignment, strategy and organizational future-readiness. He resides in Palm Desert, California. Twitter: @jlsuderman Email: jeff@jeffsuderman.com
Source: HBR
Photo Credit: FreeImages/DebbieWogen