Lifelong learner leaders

Abstract

This chapter stands for the necessity of a lifelong learning approach in the context of the leaders' adaptability and sustainability for normative reflection, both about the norms in the VUCA world and their own role. We need this reflection because in a world where change, transformation, and complexity are the leading actors, how we perceive life, and our learning processes are continuously renewed (Bozkurt, 2019). This dynamic nature of the world is defined as VUCA, which can be a great opportunity for leaders' professional development by helping them with the needed skills, the current situation, and what should be done by showing the challenges and threats of the unpredictability (Raja, 2021). On the other hand, just like scientists, leaders also need to prepare for the future with great care, make their goals, values, and visions explicit, and transparently consider the co-production of knowledge (Buttner et al., 2023). By being lifelong learners, leaders can develop the agility, resilience, and creativity needed to navigate the uncertainty and complexity of the VUCA world. Similarly, in Industry 5.0, where the lines between humans and machines blur, and technology is integrated with work processes, leaders need to constantly learn and adapt to leverage the potential of technology and human intelligence. That's why this chapter provides up-to-date information on the challenges that educational leaders face in developing the digital skills needed to lead in a VUCA world and emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development to address this issue. Specifically, the three main themes: (1) The skill gap phenomenon, (2) Leadership in Open Distance Digital Education context, and (3) Massive Open Online Courses as lifelong learner supporters highlight the lifelong learning solutions within the educational and business world context for effective, agile, and digital leadership. Last, some tips, suggestions, and research findings for today and future leaders are shared. © 2023 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.