S7 Ep3: How to Identify and Close Skill Gaps for Your Dream Leadership Role

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success!

In this episode (which is about 16 minutes in length), we dive into how to identify and close skill gaps so you can step confidently into your dream leadership role. Securing a leadership position isn’t just about experience—it’s about showing up as the right candidate with the right skills.

🗂 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
• Assessing Your Current Skills – How to evaluate where you are now and what’s missing.
• Spotting Key Leadership Gaps – Identifying the skills that set great leaders apart.
• Upskilling with Impact – The best ways to develop leadership skills, from formal training to on-the-job learning.
• Demonstrating Leadership Before You Get the Title – Practical ways to showcase leadership potential in your current role.
• Creating an Action Plan for Growth – Steps to position yourself as the ideal candidate for your next leadership move.

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉 Book a free discovery call to learn how my Unlock Your Career Potential coaching programme can fast-track your leadership growth.
🦉 Explore the DISC assessment to understand your leadership style.
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

Useful Resources

Books & Articles
•The 5 Levels of Leadership – John Maxwell
•Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
•The Leadership Challenge – James Kouzes & Barry Posner
•First Break All the Rules – Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman
•What Got You Here Won’t Get You There – Marshall Goldsmith
•Harvard Business Review articles on leadership development and skill-building.
Leadership Competency Frameworks
•McKinsey’s Leadership Framework (McKinsey & Company)
•Deloitte’s Leadership Framework (Deloitte)
•Harvard Business Review Leadership Insights (HBR)
Online Learning & Development
•LinkedIn Learning (Courses on leadership, emotional intelligence, communication)
•Coursera (University-backed courses like "Leading People and Teams" by the University of Michigan)
•London Business School & Henley Business School Executive Education
•MIT Sloan Executive Education
Leadership Networks & Communities
•Institute of Directors (IoD) – iod.com
•Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – managers.org.uk
•Vistage UK – Leadership peer groups & mentoring
•LEAD Network UK – Leadership for women in business
•Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) – Executive networking

Transcript

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success, the podcast that helps you build the skills, confidence, and strategy to thrive in your career. 

I’m Kathryn, your host, and today, we’re talking about something crucial for anyone aiming for—or already in—a leadership role: how to identify and close skill gaps for your dream leadership role.

Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or looking to level up, you need the right skills to lead effectively.

But how do you know what’s missing? 

And how do you develop those skills without feeling overwhelmed?

In today’s episode, we’ll cover:
✔️ How to identify the key leadership skills for your industry
✔️ Spotting your own skill gaps (including blind spots!)
✔️ Smart ways to develop leadership skills—without wasting time
✔️ How to showcase your leadership growth and get noticed
✔️ The mindset shift that keeps you growing as a leader

That’s what we’re unpacking today—with actionable steps to help you bridge the gap and lead with confidence. 

But before we jump in, I invite you to grab your favourite beverage, find a comfy spot, grab a notebook or just sit back and relax and keep listening for those lightbulb moments to map out your leadership path!

Step 1: Identify the Key Leadership Skills You Need
Before we talk about closing skill gaps, we need to figure out what skills actually matter. 

Leadership today isn’t just about authority—it’s about strategy, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

One of the biggest mistakes I see when working with my 1-2-1 clients is that they focus too much on job titles and not enough on the actual skills required to lead. They’ll say, “I want to be a Director or a Head of Department,” but when we break it down, they haven’t fully explored what makes a strong leader in their industry.

So, how do you pinpoint the leadership skills that will get you ahead?
✅ Study job descriptions – Look at leadership roles in your sector. What skills keep showing up across multiple job postings? Pay attention to patterns—those are the non-negotiables for your field.
✅ Check out top leaders on LinkedIn – What do successful executives in your industry highlight in their profiles? Their skills, endorsements, and even the topics they post about can give you insights into what matters at their level.
✅ Review leadership competency frameworks – Companies like Deloitte, McKinsey, and Harvard Business Review publish research on what makes great leaders today. If you want to stay competitive, you need to be aware of the evolving leadership landscape.

💡 Pro tip: When I work with clients, we categorise leadership skills into two areas:
📌 Hard skills – These are the technical or strategic skills relevant to your industry, like financial acumen, data-driven decision-making, or leading digital transformation.
📌 Soft skills – These define how you lead, such as emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, or executive presence. Soft skills are often the difference between being a manager and a true leader.

This is exactly what I help my 1-2-1 clients do—we break down their career goals, map out the essential leadership skills, and identify where they need to focus. When you get clear on the skills that matter, you stop feeling stuck and start moving forward with purpose.

Got your list? Great. Now, let’s figure out what’s missing."

Step 2: Find Your Gaps (And Your Blind Spots!)
Alright, here comes the honest part—where are your weak spots?

One of the things I do with my 1-2-1 clients is help them uncover not just the skills they know they need to work on, but also their blind spots—the areas they don’t even realise are holding them back.

A simple way to check this is to rate yourself on a scale of 1-5 for each leadership skill you listed in 

Step 1:
• 1 = I have no experience.
• 3 = I’m okay but not confident.
• 5 = I excel at this.

This is a great starting point, but here’s the thing—self-assessment alone isn’t enough. You need outside perspectives because we all have leadership blind spots.

So, what’s next? Ask for feedback.
✅ Talk to mentors, peers, and even your team – People who work with you daily see things you don’t. Ask them, “What’s one leadership skill you think I could improve?” or “If I wanted to be a more effective leader, what’s one thing I should focus on?”
✅ Look for patterns – If multiple people say you need to improve your delegation skills or executive presence, take it seriously.
✅ Be open to surprises – Sometimes, the biggest skill gaps aren’t the ones you expect.

For example, I’ve had clients tell me, “I think I’m a strong communicator,” but when we dig deeper, their team finds them unclear in meetings or difficult to approach. Others believe they’re strategic, but their mentor sees them too focused on day-to-day tasks instead of long-term vision.

💡 Pro tip: The best leaders don’t just accept feedback—they actively seek it. This is something I work on with my clients all the time, helping them turn feedback into a growth plan instead of taking it personally.

Honest feedback is gold. Don’t shy away from it! The more self-aware you are, the faster you’ll grow.

Step 3: Close the Gaps with Smart Learning
Now that you know what to work on, let’s talk about how to develop those skills—without wasting time.

One thing I always tell my 1-2-1 clients is that leadership growth isn’t about collecting certificates or attending endless training sessions. It’s about intentional learning—choosing methods that align with your career goals and learning style.

So, here are some of the best ways to grow as a leader effectively in the UK:
🎓 Leadership Courses & Executive Education
• Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Harvard Business Review offer fantastic short courses.
• If you want deeper learning, universities like MIT, Wharton, and Oxford run executive programmes designed for senior leaders.
• In the UK, Henley Business School and London Business School provide executive education programmes for those seeking more tailored development.
• But here’s my advice—don’t just take a course for the sake of it. Pick something that directly addresses one of your skill gaps.

💡 Stretch Assignments & Cross-Functional Projects
• Want to improve strategic thinking? Ask to lead a high-visibility project that requires long-term planning.
• Need better decision-making skills? Volunteer for budgeting or risk management tasks where you’ll make real decisions with real consequences.
• In my coaching sessions, I help clients identify opportunities within their current role to develop new leadership skills—often without needing to move jobs.

🗣 Coaching & Mentorship
• Find a mentor who has walked the path before. Ask them: “What’s one skill that made the biggest difference in your leadership journey?”
• Consider executive coaching—many successful leaders swear by it because it provides personalised feedback and accountability.
• This is exactly what I do with my 1-2-1 clients—helping them cut through the noise and focus on the leadership skills that will truly accelerate their career.

📚 Self-Development
• Read books like The 5 Levels of Leadership (John Maxwell) or Dare to Lead (Brené Brown).
• But here’s the key—don’t just read, apply. Take notes, try new strategies at work, and reflect on what’s working.
• I often recommend tailored reading lists to my 1-2-1 clients based on their specific leadership goals.

🤝 Join Leadership Networks
• Institute of Directors (IoD) – The IoD offers leadership development, networking opportunities, and events across the UK, bringing together influential leaders from various sectors.
• CMI (Chartered Management Institute) – Great for aspiring and senior leaders, CMI offers professional accreditation and resources to support career growth in management.
• The Leadership Trust – This UK-based organisation focuses on leadership training and executive development, providing courses and workshops for senior leaders.
• LEAD Network UK – Promoting inclusive leadership, particularly for women, this network provides support, education, and mentoring to those in leadership roles.
• The Henley Leadership Programme – A part of Henley Business School, this is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to level up their leadership capabilities.
• Vistage UK – Offers peer advisory groups, leadership coaching, and mentoring for business leaders across the UK.
• Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) – With a UK chapter, YPO connects executives in a global network, offering peer-to-peer learning, mentorship, and access to leadership resources.

💡 Pro tip: Learn in a way that fits your style. Some people thrive in structured programmes, while others learn best through hands-on experience. When I work with clients, I help them create a learning plan that actually works for them—so they stay consistent and see real progress.

The key takeaway? Leadership growth is a journey, not a one-time event. Keep learning, keep applying, and you’ll see the results in your career."*

Step 4: Show the World You’re a Leader
Learning is only half the battle—now, it’s time to prove you’ve got the leadership skills. It’s about showing the world that you’re ready for that next leadership role.

Here’s how you can do that:
✅ Take on Visible Projects
• You’ve worked on improving your skills, but now you need to take action and make those skills known.
• Own initiatives that showcase your leadership, whether it’s leading a team, driving change, or mentoring others.
• You might want to lead a cross-functional project or even take on the responsibility for company-wide initiatives. These high-visibility projects will help demonstrate your leadership in a real-world context.
• In my 1-2-1 coaching, I always encourage clients to take ownership of projects outside of their typical scope to show their leadership range.

✅ Build Your Leadership Brand
• Leadership is a personal brand—it’s not just what you know but also how others perceive you.
• Start sharing insights on LinkedIn. Post about the lessons you’ve learned, the books you’re reading, or the challenges you’ve overcome.
• The key is to be authentic—share your leadership journey, not just success stories, but also the hurdles you’ve faced and how you’ve grown. It helps build credibility and relatability.
• Consistency matters here. It’s not about posting once a month but making your thoughts visible regularly so your leadership voice is heard.

✅ Use Storytelling in Interviews
• When discussing your leadership growth in interviews, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to make your development tangible.
• For example, instead of just saying you led a team, you could say: “In my last role, I noticed communication was a problem across departments. I led a project to implement cross-department meetings, which resulted in a 30% increase in efficiency.”
• Storytelling is a powerful tool—it doesn’t just tell people what you did; it shows them how you think and how you lead. It makes your leadership more relatable and impactful.

✅ Ask for Endorsements and Recommendations
• If you’ve led projects successfully, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback and endorsements from peers or managers.
• Request LinkedIn recommendations where colleagues or managers can speak to your leadership skills. These third-party endorsements can be the credibility booster you need when applying for new roles.
• Remember, don’t just ask for generic endorsements—be specific! Ask them to highlight areas where you’ve truly demonstrated leadership.

💡 Bottom line: It’s not just about learning leadership—it’s about being seen as a leader. To truly position yourself for a leadership role, you need to actively show that you’re ready, willing, and capable. Share your journey, take visible action, and let the world know you’re ready to step up!

Step 5: Keep Growing—Leadership is a Journey, Not a Destination
Finally, let’s talk about the mindset of leadership. Leadership isn’t something you “complete” and then move on—it’s a continuous journey of growth and adaptation. If you’re serious about stepping into or excelling in leadership roles, you need to embrace the process of never-ending development.

Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve and continue to grow as a leader:
📌 Adopt a Growth Mindset
• One of the most powerful things you can do as a leader is to adopt a growth mindset.
• Always be asking yourself, “What’s one thing I can improve today?”
• Great leaders don’t think they’ve “arrived”—they’re constantly evolving, looking for ways to better their skills, and adapt to the changing environment.
• If you don’t have a mentor to challenge you, I encourage my 1-2-1 clients to take a step back regularly and assess their progress. It’s a great way to maintain your growth trajectory.

📌 Seek Regular Feedback
• The best leaders never stop learning—from their teams, peers, and mentors.
• Regular feedback isn’t just about performance reviews—it’s about creating a feedback loop that helps you adjust in real-time.
• Ask your team what could be improved in your leadership. What do they appreciate, and what could be better? It can be uncomfortable, but this is where real growth happens.
• As a coach, I always remind my clients that feedback is a gift—it helps refine leadership behaviors and accelerates personal development.

📌 Stay on Top of Trends
• Leadership is evolving fast, especially with advancements in technology. Trends like AI, remote work, and digital transformation are reshaping leadership responsibilities.
• If you want to stay ahead, you have to stay informed about these trends and understand how they affect leadership in your industry.
• Read industry reports, subscribe to leadership podcasts, and join online communities where thought leaders share insights on these trends. Continuous learning is key to ensuring you’re relevant as a leader in the future.

📌 Keep Networking
• Leadership is often about learning from others. No one has all the answers, but by connecting with a diverse group of leaders, you expand your perspective.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and leadership forums to connect with people who can challenge and inspire you.
• Building a leadership network opens doors to new opportunities, ideas, and collaborations that keep you growing in ways you may not have thought of.
• Keep building relationships with other leaders, mentors, and peers—because the best leaders learn from the best.
💡 Bottom line: Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and step up when it matters. Keep challenging yourself, seeking feedback, and staying on top of trends, and you’ll be a leader who grows as the world around you changes."

WRAP-UP
That’s it for today’s episode, let’s quickly recap everything we’ve covered today:
1️. Identify the Key Leadership Skills for Your Dream Role
Start by understanding what specific skills are essential for the leadership position you’re aiming for. This could be anything from strategic thinking to emotional intelligence. Define your skill set based on the role you want.
2️. Assess Your Gaps Honestly—and Get Feedback
Once you’ve identified the key skills, rate your current abilities. Be brutally honest with yourself—then ask others for feedback. Your team, mentors, and peers can point out blind spots that you might not even realize exist.
3️. Develop Your Skills Strategically—Through Courses, Mentorship, and Real-World Experience
Don’t just wait for skills to magically appear. Invest in yourself by taking leadership courses, seeking mentorship, and volunteering for high-impact projects. These experiences will help you level up.
4️. Showcase Your Leadership Growth—Make it Visible to Your Network
It’s not enough to learn—you need to show the world you’re growing as a leader. Share your insights, accomplishments, and learnings on platforms like LinkedIn, and don’t forget to use storytelling in interviews or meetings.
5️. Keep Evolving—Because Leadership is Never ‘Done’
Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Keep a growth mindset, regularly seek feedback, stay on top of trends, and expand your leadership network. You’ll continue evolving, adapting, and stepping up to new challenges.

💡 Remember: If you’re serious about stepping into a leadership role, don’t wait. Start today. Take one action—whether it’s signing up for a course, reading a leadership book, or asking your boss for a stretch assignment. Small steps lead to big leadership impact.

If you found today’s episode valuable, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your network. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn—just search Kathryn Hall, The Career Owl.

Until next time—keep growing, keep leading, and keep building your leadership pathway! 

Useful Resources

Books & Articles
• The 5 Levels of Leadership – John Maxwell
• Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
• The Leadership Challenge – James Kouzes & Barry Posner
• First Break All the Rules – Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman
• What Got You Here Won’t Get You There – Marshall Goldsmith
• Harvard Business Review articles on leadership development and skill-building.
Leadership Competency Frameworks
• McKinsey’s Leadership Framework (McKinsey & Company)
• Deloitte’s Leadership Framework (Deloitte)
• Harvard Business Review Leadership Insights (HBR)
Online Learning & Development
• LinkedIn Learning (Courses on leadership, emotional intelligence, communication)
• Coursera (University-backed courses like "Leading People and Teams" by the University of Michigan)
• London Business School & Henley Business School Executive Education
• MIT Sloan Executive Education
Leadership Networks & Communities
• Institute of Directors (IoD) – iod.com
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI) – managers.org.uk
• Vistage UK – Leadership peer groups & mentoring
• LEAD Network UK – Leadership for women in business
• Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) – Executive networking