Last week, I had the privilege of serving as a visiting professor, speaking with a group of senior physician leaders at a wonderful medical school about one of my favorite leadership topics: identity.

As we explored leadership development together, one idea kept resurfacing. We often prepare leaders to gain new knowledge and develop new skills. Far less attention is given to something equally important - the willingness to let go of the beliefs, behaviors, and identities that have served us well but are no longer sufficient for the next season.

This topic is frequent in my executive coaching conversations as well.

Perhaps because it reflects a truth every accomplished leader eventually encounters:

Careers are not linear.

As we grow, the work changes.

The expectations change.

The environment around us changes.

And so must we.

The greatest threat to long-term leadership effectiveness is not a lack of capability. It is assuming the capabilities that brought us here will continue to be enough.