Letting Go of Old Leadership Myths: What ‘Leadership Revolution’ Teaches About Change

Why letting go of comfort zones and outdated models is the first step to real leadership growth.

Most of us were taught that leadership is about following a proven formula. But in Leadership Revolution, Lori Mazan reveals that the old playbooks are holding us back. The book critiques common tools like the nine-box talent review and strict compliance training, showing how they reinforce bias and stifle innovation. Mazan’s stories of leaders who broke free from these patterns are inspiring and instructive. One manager, for example, realized that her reliance on personality assessments blinded her to the real strengths of her team. When she let go of these labels, she discovered new talent and built a more inclusive culture.

Mazan argues that letting go is not about discarding everything you know, but about questioning what serves you and what doesn’t. She encourages leaders to step out of their comfort zones, embrace ambiguity, and experiment with new approaches. The book’s message is clear: real growth starts when you release the old to make room for the new.

Through practical exercises and coaching stories, Mazan shows how leaders can identify and shed outdated beliefs. The process is challenging but liberating, paving the way for more agile, creative, and human-centered leadership.

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