The Leadership Skills We Actually Need (And Why Most Training Misses the Mark)

Have you ever tried teaching someone to use a rotary phone? (If you're under 40, you might need to Google that!) It's a bit like how we're approaching leadership training today - we're solving problems that aren't relevant anymore. I had that exact thought while writing my recent article for Growth Business magazine about the gap between traditional leadership training and the actual challenges leaders face today. (You can read the full article here: [Training Leaders for Yesterday's Problems]) But here's what I really want to talk about – the stuff that didn't make it into the article but keeps me up at night (in a good way!)...

🎯 The Real Challenge

While we're teaching leaders how to conduct perfect performance reviews and manage their inbox, the world has moved on. Our teams are dealing with:

• AI tools that change faster than we can update our training materials
• Hybrid working patterns that challenge traditional team dynamics
• Mental health challenges that weren't on most leaders' radars five years ago

And let's be honest – no amount of role-playing traditional scenarios is going to prepare us for these realities.

💡 What Actually Works (From Someone Who's Been There)

In my work with organisations like British Cycling and the University of Greenwich, I've noticed something fascinating: the most effective leaders aren't necessarily the ones with the most traditional training. They're the ones who excel at:

1. Listening (and I mean really listening, not just waiting for their turn to speak)
2. Adapting their approach based on real-time feedback
3. Leading with empathy while maintaining clear boundaries

This is exactly why I developed the LACE framework (Listening, Accountability, Collaboration, Empathy). It's not about rigid structures – it's about creating flexible, human-centered leadership approaches that actually work in today's world.

🔑 Quick Win for Tomorrow Morning

Want to start shifting your leadership style right now? Try this: In your next team meeting, spend the first 5 minutes asking: "What's changed in your world since we last met?" Don't problem-solve. Don't redirect. Just listen. You'll be amazed at how this simple practice can transform your understanding of what your team really needs from you as a leader.

🫵 Your Leadership Challenge:
Take a moment to reflect: What percentage of your leadership development is focused on managing the present versus creating the future? If it's more than 50% on the present, you might be preparing for yesterday's battles.⚡ The Bottom Line

While traditional leadership training isn't redundant, it's time we acknowledged that it's only part of the picture. The future of leadership development isn't about more training – it's about better training that reflects the real challenges of leading in 2025 and beyond.

Want to dive deeper into this? I'd love to hear your thoughts. What leadership challenges are you facing that weren't covered in your training? Drop a comment below or connect with me on LinkedIn.

P.S. If you're interested in exploring how your top team can integrate the LACE framework into their leadership approach, drop me a line and let's have a chat.