roles. For example, according to Deloitte’s 2025 “Gen Z and Millennials Survey”, Gen Z and Millennials are projected to make up 73% of the workforce by 2030, but only 6% of Gen Z’s are striving for leadership positions. Additionally, because of the instability of the world and job market, as well as nearly 10,000 Boomers retiring every day, many individuals are finding themselves thrown into leadership roles without necessarily seeking them out (Barr, 2025). With a lack of individuals who don’t have the want or preparation to fill leadership roles, organizations are left with ineffective leadership, high turnover from frustrated employees, and unsuccessful change and outcomes. So what can organizations do to recruit, engage, and prepare better leaders? Before organizations can properly develop leaders, they first need to rid the societal
To lead is to influence, and individuals can influence others from all different positions and levels of authority."
stereotype of a leader that has been solidified through past practice and representation
way for an individual to make valuable impact among those within an organization. To lead is to influence, and individuals can influence others from all different positions and levels of authority. The moment organizations accept this reality, the easier it will be for them to lean into proactive leadership development. Leadership development has historically been very reactive. A common leadership journey looks like the following: an individual is successful in their individual contributor role which leads them to taking on a management role without partaking in any proper leadership development. Once this individual finds themselves officially overseeing others, their organization will provide leadership development programs and resources, if they are lucky. The issue with this method is that developing the necessary skills of an effective leader takes time and practice ; a true leadership development
through media. The “traditional” leader is often assumed to be the manager or boss who holds all of the decision- making power and who is naturally
authoritative. Although this definitely
describes one type of leader, it is not the only
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