Source: SPARK
Effective leadership today requires continuous adaptation and learning. Traditional experience and knowledge are no longer enough. Therefore, leaders need agility and a willingness to try new methods themselves, while fostering an environment where failure is viewed as a learning opportunity. This culture of experimentation drives innovation and helps teams navigate technological uncertainties.
“I think there’s a case to be made for giving people do-overs if we really want to identify their ability to use their skills to learn,” Grant said.
“There’s some evidence from the U.S. Army showing it is not how well somebody does in a first interviewer assessment that foreshadows their capability. It’s their progress from their first one to their ‘do over’ that demonstrates whether they have the motivation and ability to grow. I think too often we write people off when the first interview doesn’t go well or when an initial assessment is not up to our standard, as opposed to, ‘Let’s give them the feedback and see if they can travel the distance.’ Those are the people I want to hire and reward because they are the people who’ll move us forward.”
Grant also said that the term “soft skills” needs to be rebranded as “character skills.” They include generosity, humility, integrity, creativity, curiosity, and wisdom. These skills are crucial for building strong team relationships and fostering collaboration. Grant also points out that as technology advances, these human-centric skills become even more valuable because machines cannot replicate them. Leaders who prioritize these traits will be better equipped to guide their organizations through change and uncertainty.
Organizations should not only shift from measuring current abilities to identifying motivated learners, but also provide opportunities for skill development and growth. Investing in continuous learning helps ensure an agile workforce that’s capable of tackling new challenges, enhancing individual performance, and contributing to organizational resilience.
“I think actually teaching people to become better learners is going to become a centerpiece of training,” Grant said. “And I think ultimately we’ll end up rewarding and promoting more the people who learn and who teach others.”
