U is for ‘Unlearning’: Making Space for What’s Next.

“Responsible leaders are willing to challenge their own assumptions, because holding on too tightly to yesterday’s truths can close the door on tomorrow’s opportunities.”  Carolyn Roberts.

In fast-moving businesses, success often depends not on what leaders know - but on what they’re willing to unlearn. Habits, assumptions, over used strengths and legacy strategies can become invisible constraints.

Research in organisational learning and leadership development shows that unlearning is essential for innovation, adaptability, and growth.

We worked with a Founder whose leadership style had served them well in startup mode but was now stalling scale. By identifying what needed to be unlearned (control, authority and speed), they created space for new leadership behaviours. The result? A more empowered team and a more sustainable business. And fewer sleepless nights!

Actionable Insight:

• Identify legacy habits: What worked then but no longer serves now? 

  
  

• Create “unlearning labs” spaces to test new behaviours without judgment. 

  
  

• Ask: “What do I need to let go of to lead what’s next?”

  
  

• How would someone coming into our team see us, is that how we want to be?

  
  
  
  

Why it matters: Unlearning isn’t forgetting - it’s evolving. When leaders embrace it, they unlock possibilities.

Rushmer, R., & Davies, H. T. O. (2004). Unlearning in health care. ‘Quality and Safety in Health Care’, 13(suppl 2), ii10–ii15. 

Becker, K. (2005). Facilitating unlearning during organizational change. ‘Journal of Organizational Change Management’, 18(4), 442–458.