Leadership Shortage

Does your organization have the leadership bench strength to staff its growth plans? Regardless what your answer might look like, I am a firm believer that your organization will have a leadership shortage in the years to come. In the next decade, most growing organizations will need more leaders as an increasing number of companies will face an unusually large shortfall in leadership due to baby-boomer generation retiring and leaving key senior management positions. “As for the looming leadership crisis, that so-called war for talent that we keep hearing about: No doubt as the workforce shrinks, organizations will feel the pinch.” http://www.talentmgt.com/recruitment_retention/2008/May/630/index.php?pt=a&aid=630&start=3019&page=2

You may have a succession plan or you may be looking to recruit someone from your sharpest competitor, however, a number of situations are making it difficult for organizations to fill key leadership positions. Even David Whitwam, Chairman, President and CEO – Whirlpool Corporation has the same argument.

“The thing that wakes me up in the middle of the night is not what might happen to the economy or what our competitors might do next; it is worrying about whether we have the leadership capacity and talent to implement the new and more complex global strategies.”

As organizations become more complex and global, the number of competencies required for success at senior levels is growing beyond the traditional business and leadership skills. Companies will be looking for visionary individuals who are able to collaborate and establish strategic business partnerships, manage change, see the big picture and deliver results. The ideal candidate in the coming years will need a broader range of job experiences. Will you be the next great leader developing credibility and establishing a legacy? Only time will tell...