I was chatting with a client the other day, someone I really admire, and she said something that stuck with me, “I feel like I’m running on empty, and I’m supposed to be the one keeping everyone else going.” That hit home! Too close to home and I know how she feels. She’s a great leader, but like so many others right now, she’s tired, stretched thin, and not feeling as connected to her role as she used to.
And she’s not alone. Leadership engagement is down across the board. Gallup’s 2025 Engagement Report deep dives into this. Only about 30% of employees say their leaders are truly effective right now. That’s not just a stat, it’s a signal. When leaders are disengaged, it trickles down fast. Teams lose momentum, turnover creeps up, and the culture starts to crumble. Elizabeth shares more about this in her article connecting engagement with the rise of investigations in organizations. Check it out!
We’re also seeing more leaders leave. CEO’s turnover is expected to hit 8% this year, and nearly half of those replacements come from outside the company. That tells us we’re not doing enough to grow and support leaders from within. And it’s not just the top tier, across ALL levels of leadership, people are saying they want more development, more support, and more clarity on how to lead in this new world of work.
The skills leaders need today are shifting fast. It’s not just about strategy and execution anymore. Leaders need emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to lead through constant change. They need to understand AI and tech, yes, but they also need to know how to build trust, communicate clearly, and create inclusive environments where people feel safe and seen. They also need to feel safe, seen, and heard!
And here’s the good news, when organizations invest in leadership development, the payoff is real. Companies that prioritize it see up to 21% higher profitability and 29% better retention. Even better, leadership skill growth can improve by over 60% when the right programs are in place.
So, if you’re running a business, an hr professional, or a leader of people, I just want to say, you’re not behind, but this is the time to lean in! It’s more costly to replace a leader than it is to develop them. Henry Ford was a wise man when he said, “The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay.” Whether it’s coaching, training, or just giving your leaders space and opportunities to grow, every step you take now is going to make a difference.
I’m sharing this because I care about the work you’re doing and the people you’re leading. We’re all figuring this out together, and I truly believe that with the right support, our leaders, YOUR leaders, can rise to meet this moment, and take their teams with them.
Reach out to me with questions about where to start. We can provide referrals from clients who have experienced the impact through our support. A little planning goes a long way, we can do the heavy lifting AND if you need support or resources
Reach out to me with questions about where to start. We can provide referrals from clients who have experienced the impact through our support. A little planning goes a long way, we can do the heavy lifting AND if you need support or resources The People Playbook has what you need!
Call or connect with us here.
-Erin