Leadership adjustments

If there's one thing businesses can be certain of today, it's uncertainty.

- FRANCIS J. KONG

Disruption is the new normal, from market volatility and massive tech layoffs to geopolitical tensions and regulatory shifts. Tariffs, lawsuits, and evolving policies may feel like distant headlines, but their ripple effects reach every industry.

The reality? These global currents trickle down fast, reshaping decisions, operations, and outcomes at every business level.

But rather than dwell on uncertainty, let's focus on what's happening closer to home—inside our organizations. If I had to describe today's corporate climate in one word, it would be adjustments.

One of the most challenging adjustments is leadership changes. It's not just about whether a leader is capable; it's about whether they are the right leader for tomorrow.

Business success depends on leaders who can evolve with the company.

The challenge isn't spotting leadership failure once it's obvious; it's recognizing the early warning signs before real damage is done.

Here are five key signals that a leader may no longer be the right fit for where the business is headed:

1. Hiring for the past, not the future

Great leaders recruit for the future. They hire people who push boundaries, bring fresh ideas, and introduce new capabilities. But when an executive stops evolving, their hiring habits reveal it.

Instead of bringing in people who stretch the company's potential, they opt for familiarity, choosing candidates whose skills fit yesterday's needs, not tomorrow's challenges.