Unlearning Leadership: Why Sometimes You Need to Forget What You Know
During a pivotal leadership retreat recently, I faced a profound realization that changed my approach to leadership forever. I had always prided myself on a particular leadership style—a methodical, data-driven approach—that had served me well over the years. However, in a session designed to push us out of our comfort zones, I was challenged to lead a group without relying on data or conventional methods. This experience was uncomfortable and disorienting, but it opened my eyes to innovative, empathetic ways of guiding a team that I had previously overlooked.
This moment of unlearning what I knew about leadership was unsettling, yet it was undeniably transformative. It illustrated a powerful lesson: sometimes, the knowledge that defines our success can also limit our growth and adaptation.
Leadership, much like any dynamic field, evolves. The models and mindsets that were effective a decade ago may not suffice, or may even be counterproductive, in today’s rapidly changing world. The practice of unlearning—actively letting go of outdated information, beliefs, or habits—is crucial for leaders who wish to stay relevant and effective.
Research underscores the necessity of adaptive leadership in modern organizations. A study by Deloitte highlighted that organizations with adaptive leadership practices are 6.7 times more likely to be effectively handling complexity and change than those with rigid leadership models. Moreover, Harvard Business Review emphasizes that unlearning is an integral part of learning in the 21st century, advocating for leaders to continuously challenge and revise their assumptions and practices.
Why Unlearning Matters
1. Encourages Adaptability: In an era where change is the only constant, clinging to old ways can be a liability. Unlearning fosters adaptability, empowering leaders to navigate and thrive in flux.
2. Promotes Inclusivity: Many traditional leadership models were not designed with diversity and inclusivity in mind. Unlearning these models opens the door to more equitable and inclusive leadership practices that value and leverage diverse perspectives.
3. Aligns with Modern Challenges: Today’s challenges are uniquely complex, intertwined with global connectivity and technological advances. Leaders who unlearn outdated strategies can discover fresh solutions that are better aligned with current realities.
Reflecting on my retreat experience, the lesson was clear: when I stepped away from my ingrained habits and assumptions, I was able to engage more authentically with my team. This didn’t just alter my leadership approach—it enhanced it. By fostering a space where creativity and innovation could flourish, we tackled problems with renewed perspective and vigor.
Unlearning is not about discarding everything we know; rather, it’s about being selective with what we retain and what we let go to make room for new learning and growth. It’s about challenging the status quo within ourselves and embracing the discomfort that comes with it.
As leaders, we must cultivate the humility and courage to unlearn aspects of our leadership that no longer serve us or our teams. By doing so, we not only enhance our own capabilities but also elevate the entire trajectory of our organizations.
In embracing the art of unlearning, we open ourselves to a world of endless possibilities and new horizons. Let us step into this uncharted territory with open minds and hearts, ready to unlearn, learn, and relearn.
