Upcoming Sessions
The Challenge of Leadership | INSEAD
Reimagining leadership through self-exploration
In business, executives often focus on models of rational analysis, paying far too little attention to the idiosyncrasies and irrational processes that make up individual human behaviour. At the heart of success however, lies a true understanding of the emotional side of decision-making.
The Challenge of Leadership aims to improve your understanding of how human behaviour affects the functioning of an organisation. By focusing on conscious and unconscious behaviour, as well as rational and irrational action, you will learn to manage irrational and dysfunctional processes in your company. You will explore your personal leadership style and address ways of dealing with processes, especially during times of crisis, that fall outside recommended models.
Key learning concepts in the programme curriculum
The programme blends group works, reflections, and clinical frameworks, catering to senior leadership. Participants engage in personal sharing, fostering reflective practice. Drawing on psychoanalysis, family systems theory, developmental psychology, and cognitive theory, modules cover organisational diagnosis, cultural understanding, coaching culture creation, and more. The curriculum delves into leadership dynamics, power dynamics, leadership failures, and emotional intelligence. The programme also provides problem-solving tools, career planning insights, and conflict resolution strategies.
Read more about our curriculum and syllabus
Participant profile
Participants of this highly selective programme are: senior leaders from large and medium-sized firms; entrepreneurs; or senior executives in the public sector. Typically CEOs or board members, participants hold top-level positions and are in the mature phase of their careers.
Skills you will develop
- Leadership and Vision
- Self-awareness
- Resilience and Agility
- Communication
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How You Benefit
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Build a foundation for effective leadership development
Discover the forces behind authority and power, increasing your confidence at the most senior levels.
Develop a leadership style for the future
Evolve your leadership style to improve the health and effectiveness of your organisation.
Lead your team out of a crisis
Gain the capability to diagnose toxic organisational cultures and dysfunctional processes in companies, enabling enhanced group dynamics and the creation of high-performance teams.
Better work-life balance
Determine when to pull back and how to share responsibilities, thus creating a better work-life balance.
What You Will Get
This programme qualifies for the INSEAD Certificate in Global Management.
The certificate is a formal recognition in areas of global management and leadership. Please refer to the certification requirements here.
Faculty
Adjunct Professor of Organisational Behaviour
Visiting Faculty, INSEAD
In Focus
Erica Schaper
Chair of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
I’d like to think I’m more receptive to feedback now as a leader, and that I approach teamwork in a more open way.
Manon Janssen
CEO and Chair of the Board at Ecorys, The Netherlands
It is an intense experience, so if you feel you’re ready to commit the time and energy to facing the depths of your soul, then don’t hesitate. It will change your life for the better. I don’t believe I would be where I am in my career today if I hadn’t attended the programme.
Is Your Organisation a Cult?
Beware of the cultish techniques that have crossed into the workplace.
Developing Leaders Through Adversity
Resilience is a hard-earned yet crucial trait for future leaders. “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant” – Horace.
Lessons in destructive leadership from Africa
Africa may not have a monopoly on despots but it seems to have had more than its fair share. While the decolonisation of the continent in the middle of the 20th century offered greater freedom for its diverse ethnicities, cultures and languages, it also left a hole in its structure – both socially and politically.
Challenge your pre-conceptions of leadership
The Challenge of Leadership
The importance of change
Human Centred Leaders
Is purpose important?
On leaving The Challenge of Leadership, you become a full member of the INSEAD alumni community, which is open only to graduates of our world-famous MBA and other degree programmes, as well as selected former Executive Education participants.
This elite worldwide network consists of over 57,000 alumni in around 172 countries, many with very active National Alumni Associations. As part of the alumni community, you benefit from lifelong networking and professional development opportunities, including regional events, refresher programmes and reduced rates for all Executive Education.
Dates & Fees
Investing in a Lifelong Learning Journey at INSEAD
Preferential Rates and Financing
4 Modules
To complete the ProgrammeUp to 30% Off
For the INSEAD alumni communityFinancial Aid
For French companies based in FranceRelated Programmes
AVIRA: Awareness, Vision, Imagination, Role, Action
LEAP: Leadership Excellence through Awareness and Practice
