70% Leaders Unfit for Future- Views of 800 investors tracking 150,000 leaders (Korn Ferry-Leadership Report 2019)

While this may come as a surprise, it sadly resonates with my thoughts expressed at many forums.As we accelerate into the age of disruptive technology, leadership skills of yesteryears get archaic. The quantum, pace and genetic transformation of change is unprecedented in the history of mankind. In an era where Pokemon reaches 50 mn in 19 days, China builds 50 storey tower in 3 weeks; AI, augmented reality and quantum computing defies and defines everything around us, leadership skills of future have to get self-disruptive.

The fear is very much Real and Now, “ 7 of 10 leaders are deemed “unfit” to face demands of the future” says Korn Ferry. 78% of global investors insist CEO is critical in their investment decisions but site serious concerns on their ability to re-invent. In fact delving into 150,000 leadership profiles Korn Ferry discovered “only 15 percent of executives across the globe have what it takes be great leaders in context of rapidly-changing business world”. 

So, what is this gap that Korn Ferry refers to? For the last hundred years, leaders have been taught that control, consistency, structure and methodical processes are the principles of business leadership. Disruptions are ruthless, unassuming, shattering, all at an exponential pace so why should organizational thinking be linear, matrixed, hierarchical and over cautious in its approach. 

Data shows that a majority of leaders can’t anticipate, make decisions and take smart actions quickly enough. Clearly organization demands of yesterday are suffocating and oppressive in building future leaders. Businesses need to revolutionize and build a culture that empowers talent at all levels encouraging them to challenge and innovate. Disruptive markets demand Disruptive Leadership. The earlier organizations recognise the need to unfold a culture unleashing spirits of entrepreneurial leadership, higher their chances of transitioning towards extrenal transformation.

Raj Grover is a global CEO and Entrepreneur turned mentor inspiring corporates, entrepreneurs and Start Ups on business acceleration, transformation and transition to the disruptive world.

*Thoughts expressed are personal,  inspired by the Korn Ferry Report on 2019. Data and facts quoted from the report.