If you don’t have the substance and knowledge to complement your leadership position, you need to seek it out. Leadership without substantive knowledge creates risk. Egon Zehnder International, a global executive search firm recently released a study with apt and slightly disturbing title Corporations Lack Leadership to Deal with Change. Here’s an excerpt from a PR Newswire story that details both the study and the idea that there is a definite lack of knowledge and substance in many of today’s leaders.

“More than two-thirds of corporate executives see great danger in leadership being overwhelmed by the complex challenges brought about by the current trend in which companies are experiencing convergence, according to a new study released today by Egon Zehnder International, a global executive search firm.  Convergence involves cross-industry collaboration, changing business models and companies making structural transformations.  In fact, three out of four executives report seeing convergence in their industry.  The main drivers behind this trend are changes in customer expectations and technological innovation…In the U.S., three quarters of executives are fearful of leaders being overwhelmed by the increase in complexity brought about by convergence,” said Mike Portland, co-leader of Leadership Strategy Services, Egon Zehnder International.”