Developing as a leader: The power of mindful engagement

Organizations around the world are faced with a multitude of economic, social, ethical, and geo-political challenges. The uncertainty of the current economic crisis is limiting growth and innovation across market sectors. The globalization of international trade has created more complex and interdependent flows of people, goods, funds, and technology across national boundaries. More people than not lack access to quality education, employment, healthcare, and clean water. War is a current reality for over one-third of the world. At a time when the status quo is unsustainable and a ‘‘new normal’’ is required, the need for exceptional leadership at all levels of organizations has never been greater. Leadership enables organizations to see opportunities on the horizon, develop structures to motivate action, and inspire people of all stripes to pursue opportunities with courage, passion and resilience. Despite an immense need for exceptional leadership, there is a leadership talent crisis brewing that spans national boundaries and market sectors. World-wide surveys of senior executives and human resource professionals indicate that up to 70% of North American employers experience a dearth of leadership talent that is and will continue to impede organizational performance. In Asia, the problem is even worse, with 88% of organizations indicating concern about a looming shortage of leadership talent. Market sectors such as non-profit and social enterprise are experiencing leadership deficits that significantly constrain their ability to meet the needs of their constituencies. Unfortunately, as the baby boomer population retires, this talent shortage will escalate even further, as organizations are projected to lose up to 50% of their senior leadership personnel. Indeed, the need for leadership is real and surpasses organizations’ current ability to develop leadership talent.