The Gap That’s Quietly Holding Leaders Back

The Gap That’s Quietly Holding Leaders Back: Why Experience Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore

Most leaders I work with are smart, capable, and well intentioned.
They care deeply about their teams and want to do the right thing.

And yet, many of them are unknowingly standing in a gap that slowly holds their team back.

Not a skill gap.
Not a talent gap.
A growth gap.

As I prepare for my new keynote, Bridging the Growth Gap, I’ve been reflecting on the five gaps leaders must close in 2026 to truly lead well:

-The Assumption Gap
-The Generation Gap
-The Feedback Gap
-The Accountability Gap
-The Action Gap

We won’t unpack all five here. That’s a conversation best had together. But today I want to start where most leadership breakdowns begin, with the Assumption Gap.

The Assumption Gap: “I’ve Been Doing This Long Enough, Right?”

The Assumption Gap shows up when leaders believe that experience automatically equals growth.

Experience doesn’t make us better leaders.
Intentional reflection and growth do.

Time doesn’t grow leaders. Intention does.

Your Takeaway
Ask your team:
What’s one thing I could do differently as a leader that would help you do your best work?

To Your Growth,
Kelly