Leaders Being Equipped to Lead – or Not?

According to the American Management Association, many of today’s leaders say they find they are not fully prepared for their future role expectations; among other things, this could indicate a failure in leadership development. And that responsibility falls on senior management. Some of the issues the AMA study found are the following: 

• Leaders report a ‘growing gap’ between what is expected of them and the support they receive. 

• Nearly three-quarters of leaders said they perform work outside their formal role, which handicaps their ability to think and act strategically. 

• Almost that many spend about half their time influencing others without direct authority, meaning hierarchical authority is diminished. 

• Interpersonal skills are paramount. 

• Technical skills are useful, but the ability to communicate and work with people is primary. 

• Fewer than half feel fully prepared for what they see as future role expectations.  

• There is a serious gap in leadership development and succession planning.