71% of business leaders say they primarily learn on the job
Yet only 27% of them feel confident about delivering mandates.
Based on a survey of 1,115 senior leaders across Indian enterprises—including CXOs, business heads, and departmental leaders—this report explores the disconnect between learning methods and leadership confidence. Despite the majority relying on on-the-job learning, only a small fraction feel equipped to meet their mandates. The insights reveal how India Inc.’s leadership development needs a serious rethink to truly empower its top decision-makers.
Here’s what we unpack
- The State of affairs
- The everyday job
- The diversity dilemmas
What your leaders won’t say—but the data does.
- On autopilot
43% of respondents let their team influence their schedule, in contrast to deliberately setting their daily agenda. - Avoiding turbulence
Only 33% of respondents claimed to discuss a solution when conflicts arise in teams. The rest either claim to deny the conflict or delay the conversation. - Learning = Confidence
76% of respondents who frequently enroll in training, feel confident about delivering mandates. - Meritocracy vs Diversity
87% of respondents believe diversity dilutes meritocracy.
In their own words
“Leadership means people stop liking you. Period.
If someone is struggling with a conflict that’s one thing, but don’t compound the crime by letting them live under the misapprehension that you will take care of things if it’s not the case.”
– Director, News Media
