Leadership has always been central to organizational success. However, in today’s fast-changing, complex world, intuition, charisma, and traditional views of leadership are no longer sufficient. Aad JCM van Vliet, Global HR Executive, Founding Partner and Global Lead at Avvartes, and visiting professor at BMI Executive Institute (Brussels & Vilnius), brings decades of experience to the field of leadership. He argues that leadership is not merely an innate talent but a science-backed skill that leaders must continuously refine to inspire, adapt, and thrive.
When I began my HR career in the Netherlands over four decades ago, leadership development was largely based on intuition, personal experience, and anecdotal evidence. Back then, there was no structured body of research to guide us in helping leaders grow or navigate the complexities of managing people and organizations. It was a trial-and-error era, where lessons were hard-won and often inconsistent.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape has transformed dramatically. We now have a robust and quickly developing body of research that sheds light on what makes leaders effective – how they can build trust, inspire engagement, develop high-performing teams, and thrive in the face of change and by doing so impact the business performance. Yet, I frequently see a troubling gap: many leaders remain unaware of this growing body of knowledge. Even more concerning, many organizations lack a clear framework outlining what they expect from their leaders. This disconnect represents a missed opportunity on a massive scale.
Leadership Has Never Been More Crucial
Leaders today face challenges that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. They are tasked with achieving immediate results in a highly competitive environment while guiding their organizations through relentless, unpredictable change. For most leaders, managing change has become a daily responsibility rather than an occasional project.
The complexity of leadership has intensified. Leaders must navigate a world where business rules are constantly reshaped by technology, globalization, consumer expectations and shifting societal norms. They must address intricate problems, foster innovation within diverse teams, and balance the agility required for rapid adaptation with the stability that organizations need to flourish.
Despite these demands, many leaders approach their roles without the benefit of modern, evidence-based tools and strategies. This gap leaves them underprepared for the challenges they face.
The Science Behind Leadership
Leadership has evolved into a discipline grounded in research, offering practical strategies for leading oneself, others, and teams effectively. Here are some key insights drawn from cutting-edge studies:
Leading Yourself
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Daniel Goleman’s research demonstrates that EQ – managing one’s emotions and understanding others – is a better predictor of leadership success than IQ.
- Growth Mindset: Carol Dweck’s studies show that leaders who believe in their ability to grow are more adaptable and innovative.
- Self-Awareness: Tasha Eurich’s work highlights how self-aware leaders make better decisions and build stronger relationships.
- Self-Mastery: Neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Siegel emphasizes how mindfulness and emotional regulation enable leaders to stay resilient and focused under pressure.
Leading Others
- Building Trust: Stephen M.R. Covey’s The Speed of Trust illustrates how trust accelerates collaboration and improves team performance.
- Empathy: Research by Dr. Helen Riess reveals that empathetic leaders create deeper connections, resulting in higher team engagement.
- Strengths-Based Leadership: Gallup studies show that focusing on individuals’ strengths boosts productivity, engagement, and well-being.
- Motivation Science: Ryan & Deci’s Self-Determination Theory and Daniel Pink’s Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose framework identify intrinsic motivation as a key driver of sustained performance.
Leading Teams
- Psychological Safety: Amy Edmondson’s research underscores that teams excel when members feel safe to share ideas without fear of judgment.
- Collaboration Dynamics: Google’s “Project Aristotle” found that clear roles, psychological safety, and meaning are essential for high-performing teams.
- Team Resilience: Harvard Business Review studies show that teams that learn from setbacks and foster open communication rebound stronger and perform better.
- Strengths-Based Teams: Gallup also highlights that diverse teams with complementary strengths are more innovative and aligned with organizational goals.
Neuroscience has further revolutionized leadership by revealing how the brain influences decision-making, behavior, and interpersonal dynamics.
Leadership Requires Lifelong Learning
The intersection of science and leadership offers a wealth of powerful insights, and what’s outlined above is just the tip of the iceberg. The science behind these leadership principles is well-supported, but insights continue to evolve. Furthermore, knowledge alone isn’t enough – it must be transformed into action. Leaders who prioritize lifelong learning build a competitive edge, equipping themselves to address high-stakes challenges with confidence and agility.
The rapidly changing nature of leadership requires a mindset of curiosity and a commitment to growth. By staying informed about evidence-based practices and participating in learning opportunities – such as International Executive MBA programs, short-term courses, and customized coaching sessions – leaders can ensure they remain relevant and effective in their roles.
Making Leadership Science Accessible
As we approach 2025, the stakes for leadership have never been higher. Leaders influence not only their teams but also their customers and the broader success of their organizations. In this increasingly complex environment, leadership demands more than charisma or natural talent – it requires a deep understanding of research-backed practices and the courage to put them into action. Leaders who commit to continuous development gain the insights and skills they need to thrive, ensuring they remain adaptable and impactful in a world defined by constant change.
Empowering leaders with the right tools and knowledge is vital to unlocking their potential and driving organizational success. Lifelong learning is not a luxury but a necessity.
As we move forward, the question for leaders and organizations is clear: How will you bridge the gap between instinct and the science of leadership? The research is available – it’s time to put it to use.
