The Leadership Crisis Isn't a Talent Shortage. It's a Readiness Problem.
Leadership expectations have evolved faster than the way leaders are developed. A growing gap is emerging in capability, support, and readiness. Insights from 2995 professionals across multiple industries and regions.
A leadership gap organisations cannot ignore
Leadership roles have become more complex, more demanding, and more visible. Yet preparation has not kept pace. Leaders are stepping into critical roles without the capability or structured support needed to succeed.
64.6% of leaders do not feel fully prepared.
The issue is not potential. It is preparation.
High performers continue to move into leadership roles. What does not follow consistently is the development needed to succeed in them. Pathways remain unclear. Support is uneven. Capability is expected, rather than built. The result is a growing number of leaders navigating complexity without a strong foundation.
What you'll find inside
Where leadership readiness is breaking down
Why development is not translating into capability
What is driving underprepared leadership
How organisations can strengthen capability in role