You think your experience makes you a visionary, but if you’re clinging to the past, you’re just slowing everyone down. Sticking to what worked yesterday doesn’t show wisdom—it shows resistance. The best leaders don’t protect old ways of doing things; they evolve, adapt, and shape what comes next.
A McKinsey study found that companies led by forward-thinking executives are 2.8 times more likely to outperform their competitors. The future belongs to those who embrace change, not those who fight it. If you keep dismissing new ideas, resisting innovation, and relying on outdated methods, you’re not leading—you’re blocking progress.
I’ve worked with leaders who were once at the top of their game but struggled to stay relevant. Their biggest mistake wasn’t a lack of knowledge—it was their refusal to evolve. Instead of questioning their approach, they doubled down on what once worked. My role is to help leaders recognize these blind spots, shift their mindset, and learn how to lead into the future instead of holding onto the past. Here’s how you can stop blocking the future and start leading it:
Question What You “Know”
What worked before won’t necessarily work now. The market changes, technology evolves, and employee expectations shift. Leaders who assume past success guarantees future results set themselves up for failure. Challenge your own thinking. Ask, “Would I make this same decision if I were starting fresh today?”
Embrace New Technology
AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making aren’t optional—they’re essential. Leaders who resist technology don’t just fall behind; they lose relevance. Stop dismissing innovation as a distraction. Instead, learn how to use it to your advantage. Adapt now, or risk becoming obsolete.
Listen to Younger Voices
The next generation sees opportunities you might overlook. Instead of dismissing their ideas as inexperienced, get curious. Ask questions. Learn from them. Leaders who surround themselves only with like-minded peers create echo chambers. Those who engage with fresh perspectives stay ahead.
Make Decisions for Tomorrow, Not Yesterday
Leading based on nostalgia is a dangerous trap. Businesses that thrive don’t look backward—they anticipate what’s coming next. The best leaders are always scanning for future opportunities, adjusting strategies, and preparing for what’s ahead. If you’re making decisions based on how things used to be, you’re already behind.
Take Bold, Calculated Risks
Playing it safe is the fastest way to fall behind. Innovation requires risk-taking, but smart leaders take calculated risks. They experiment, learn from failures, and adjust quickly. The companies shaping the future aren’t the ones that avoid risk—they’re the ones that take it before everyone else.
The Future Won’t Wait for You
Leadership isn’t about preserving the past—it’s about building the future. Those who refuse to change aren’t protecting their legacy; they’re burying it. The best leaders don’t wait for disruption to force their hand—they take charge, innovate, and lead the way.
Lead From Within: If you’re resisting the future, you’re not leading—you’re falling behind. The only way to stay relevant is to evolve.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- Uncharted Waters: How To Navigate The Future Of Leadership And Business
- 4 of the Most Important Skills of the Future
- The Future of Leadership Development: How to Prepare for What’s Next
- The Massive Shifts In Leadership That Are Creating The New Future
- This is How AI Will Change the Future of Leadership
- What Leadership Skills Will Be Needed In the Future
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.