The YOU of Leadership

About the Author

Twan van de Kerkhof is a seasoned author and thought leader in the realm of business leadership. He is the founder and executive director of the European Leadership Platform (ELP), which organizes dialogue meetings about leadership. Before establishing ELP, van de Kerkhof worked as an independent journalist and served as the editor-in-chief of the magazine Management Scope. His extensive experience in journalism and leadership development has positioned him as a notable voice in the field. Van de Kerkhof has written seven books, each exploring different facets of leadership and management, with a focus on fostering authentic, values-driven leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Main Idea

The book The YOU of Leadership by Twan van de Kerkhof delves into the evolving nature of leadership in response to increasing complexity and rapid changes in the global landscape. The central thesis of the book is that effective leadership today requires a profound inner journey to discover one's true self. This inner exploration enables leaders to connect authentically with others, fostering a new paradigm of leadership that is grounded in self-awareness, authenticity, and a balanced approach to power, achievement, and service motives. Van de Kerkhof emphasizes the need for leaders to transcend the outdated industrial paradigms and embrace a more holistic, intuitive, and human-centered approach to leadership.

Table of Contents

1. Seeing with Fresh Eyes
2. From Old to New World
3. The Organization
4. Individual Leaders
5. The Journey Inside
6. The Way Forward

Seeing with Fresh Eyes

The opening chapter, Seeing with Fresh Eyes, sets the stage by highlighting the inadequacy of current belief systems in addressing contemporary challenges. Van de Kerkhof argues that leaders must adopt a fresh perspective, free from the constraints of outdated paradigms. This new way of seeing is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world. The author asserts that leaders possess unique characteristics, such as courage and optimism, which make them well-suited to guide this transformation.

"True leaders have the courage to go left, even if everybody else wants to go right." - Twan van de Kerkhof

This chapter encourages leaders to challenge their existing assumptions and to embrace a more exploratory mindset. It underscores the necessity for leaders to remain open to new ideas and approaches, as the conventional ways of thinking are no longer sufficient to address the dynamic challenges faced by organizations and societies.

The concept of "seeing with fresh eyes" is not merely about adopting new strategies but involves a deeper shift in consciousness. Leaders are called to question the very foundations of their beliefs and to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. This fresh perspective is crucial for fostering innovation and for leading organizations through periods of significant change and uncertainty.

From Old to New World

In the chapter titled From Old to New World, van de Kerkhof explores the transition from the industrial paradigm to a knowledge-based economy. This shift involves a fundamental change in how organizations operate and how leaders lead. The author contrasts the rigid, hierarchical structures of the industrial age with the more flexible, collaborative models emerging in the knowledge economy. He highlights the increasing importance of trust, as opposed to control, in the new paradigm.

The globalization of markets and the rapid advancement of technology have created a multipolar world where traditional Western models of capitalism and democracy are being challenged. Van de Kerkhof discusses the rise of emerging markets and the need for companies to adapt their strategies to tap into these new opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of leaders acknowledging and addressing the concerns of those who feel threatened by these changes, such as workers fearing job displacement due to globalization and automation.

"Leaders see globalization as a fantastic opportunity, yet they also need to deal with the fears from blue-collar workers who see their jobs disappearing." - Twan van de Kerkhof

This chapter delves into the complexities of leading in a globalized world, where diverse cultural and economic contexts must be navigated. Leaders are encouraged to develop a global mindset, recognizing the interconnectedness of markets and societies. The ability to lead across cultures and to leverage the strengths of a diverse workforce becomes a critical competency in this new world.