Leadership2 min read
Many managers and leaders now realise that one-off courses and the occasional workshop are not enough to stay competitive. What makes the real difference is a systematic approach to learning and developing competencies – regardless of age or position.
Why one-off training is not enough
“We believe today’s leaders face entirely new challenges – rapid digitalisation, global uncertainty and constant business transformation call for a new approach to managing and leading people,” stresses the iLead Institute team.
As a World Economic Forum report shows, up to 44% of skills will need updating within the next five years. A McKinsey & Company study estimates that by 2030 a third of jobs will require entirely new competencies.
“Everything around us is changing all the time. If we don’t keep learning and developing, we will simply miss the train. And it is not only about new technologies – it is also about things like learning to lead a team remotely,” says Martina Kneiflová, Country Managing Partner Czech Republic, CESA Risk Management Leader, EY.
Why systematic competency development matters
Lifelong learning today is not a luxury but a necessity. Learning strengthens our ability to adapt and develops strategic thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence and the ability to lead through change.
A truly future-ready leader is one who can keep updating and developing their competencies in step with the demands of a fast-changing environment.
“Lifelong learning is essential not only because it lets us keep pace with constant change, but also because it helps us grow as individuals and as leaders. For me personally, it has not only helped me develop key skills but has also enabled me to give clients a better service and to be innovative and adaptable. For today’s leaders, I see the key qualities as strategic thinking, effective communication, emotional intelligence, the ability to adapt quickly, support for innovation and the ability to make fast, effective decisions,” says Marcel Gajdoš, General Manager of Visa for the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
Future competencies as the foundation of success
Developing future competencies is the key to a sustainable career and to leading teams successfully. If you would like to know which competencies will be decisive in the years ahead, we recommend our article on future competencies.
One-off courses can bring inspiration, but without a long-term strategy their effect quickly fades. That is why it pays to invest in programmes that support development systematically and with a clear purpose. Management training has to meet several conditions to make sense in today’s reality.
Programmes ready for the challenges of the future
One such initiative is the Future Ready Executive programme, which offers managers and senior executives comprehensive preparation for the challenges of the future. The programme was created in collaboration with leading experts and with strategic partner MIT – the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ranked the world’s number one by the QS World University Rankings.
“Our goal is to give Czech managers and leaders access to world-class standards of education and, at the same time, tools they can apply in their companies straight away,” add Tomasz Wiatrak, Erik Conrad, Peter Barecz and Barbora Průša, the creators and founders of iLead Institute.
Building a future-ready organisation is only possible through the continuous development of people and the cultivation of key competencies. If you would like to read more, we also recommend our article on the future-ready organisation.
Why focus on systematic learning?
It strengthens decision-making under uncertainty.
It encourages innovative approaches.
It enables effective leadership of teams in a multigenerational environment.
It helps prevent professional stagnation and burnout.
Lifelong learning is an investment that delivers long-term value – not only for individuals, but for the whole organisation.
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