Comments on: Leadership Development: New Study Shows Future Skill Gaps

By: David Witt

David Witt — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:25:40 +0000

Hi George, Thanks for the reminder that we need to be careful when we start to break down leadership into tiny definable skills instead of looking at the bigger picture.

By: George Pitagorsky

George Pitagorsky — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:55:40 +0000

I think that identifying priorities to address specific critical issues is most effective when we also consider the gestalt. While we can analyze the role down to very discrete skills, the sum of the parts is never equal to the whole.
Did respondents identify systems thinking, mindfulness and emotional intelligence as critical skills? I think these are the foundation for all the others.

By: David Witt

David Witt — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:12:43 +0000

Hi Jason,
I think you’re right. I think that there is definitely an element of projecting the present into the future. It does show that these skills are perceived as important now and as we move forward. Thanks for the comment!

By: Jason Wilton

Jason Wilton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:19:52 +0000

I wonder what makes these “more important” in the future, too. I’m guessing that the list of things that are going to be important down the road closely mimics the list of areas in which people are currently dissatisfied. It’s probably as much a reflection of the present than anything predictive. Interesting post!

By: David Witt

David Witt — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:46:05 +0000

Hi Van,
Thanks for your comment. We couldn’t agree more about the need to make changes in the curriculum of management courses in higher ed programs–especially MBA programs. We think there is too much focus on financial analysis and too little focus on people leadership. We are starting to see some change in a couple of programs, but people management is still not a key focus in most MBA programs.

By: David Witt

David Witt — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:42:05 +0000

Hi Andy,
Thanks for the comment. Demographics will definitely play a part as we move into the future. Stay tuned for more posts on generational comparisons in upcoming weeks.

By: Van Forselius

Van Forselius — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:59:41 +0000

Looking at what is taught in management courses in higher ed and comparing that to the worker type that 21st century buiness will need and have, there is considerable gap, and I don’t think these managers know how bad it is. Simply to much management theory focuses on teaching managers how to mushroom employees, but get them to like it. Generation x and y have grown up to expect more open information, and will probebly demand it.

By: Andy Jaynes

Andy Jaynes — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:21:40 +0000

Thanks for sharing the info David. Leadership development should start with identifying and focusing in on the most critical weaknesses in order to have the best impact in the least amount of time. Avilar offers an automated competency management system, WebMentor Skills, which helps organizations analyze skills data, build development plans, and reach short and long-term goals. I’ve read quite a bit recently about the major shift in worker demographics within the next 5-10 years and organizations need to prepare. I know we are.

By: David Witt

David Witt — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:16:13 +0000

Great point Nikolaus. The leaders surveyed in the CCL study would agree. What’s interesting is that that these skills have been identified as being even more critical in the future.

By: M. Nikolaus Kron

M. Nikolaus Kron — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:01:39 +0000

Why do organizations state to need these leadership skills in five years? To me, these four skills are required now if not even always as they characterize fundamental principles of our economy.