Rethinking Leadership Growth for True Progress

This article is about the ‘Learning Tendency’ and the nuances around Leadership Development

Admiration for others' achievements in leadership is often regarded as a critical benchmark, and rightly so—it reflects the human inclination to recognize competence. People have an inherent hierarchical tendency, looking up to those who have achieved success as a framework for their own growth and progress. Successful leaders represent the potential for mastery, showcasing what can be accomplished when discipline, intelligence, and effort align. This is why leaders are admired. Even when someone is looking for a coach or mentor – the tendency is the inner hierarchy tendency that the mentor or coach should have more accomplished.

However, this admiration can become risky if it turns into uncritical or blind adulation, especially in leadership development. Why? Because the success that is observed isn't always a clear reflection of skill or discipline. Sometimes, factors like luck play a significant role. While hard to accept, the reality is often influenced by forces beyond an individual’s control—timing, circumstances, market conditions—all of which are variables no leader can fully command. When situational success is mistaken for personal achievement, an unrealistic standard is set for others, leading to potentially damaging consequences.

Aspiring leaders, particularly those in the early stages of development, can become ensnared by this admiration. Instead of innovating, they begin to mimic. They adopt the behaviors of admired leaders without fully understanding the contexts that contributed to their success. As a result, their growth becomes rigid and formulaic, as if they’ve been handed a script for success, when in fact, their unique roles require improvisation.

The goal of leadership development should, therefore, be more than simply idolizing past achievements. It must center on fostering adaptability and self-awareness. Individuals must learn to navigate their own distinct environments. Leadership is about integration—understanding what can be learned from others, discerning what is relevant, and adapting those lessons to one’s own situation. Success cannot be transplanted from one context to another with the expectation of the same outcome.

For thought leaders and leadership coaches, the focus must shift. They must guide individuals to look beyond the surface of achievement and understand that success is a complex interplay of personal effort and external factors. While hard work and ambition are undeniably important, it’s equally vital to cultivate a mindset that embraces both personal growth and the humility to recognize the uncontrollable aspects of reality. Only by doing so can leaders develop not only competence but also the resilience and wisdom necessary to navigate the unpredictability of life.?

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