There are those who know. And those who are yet to hear. Leadership development is fundamentally shifting. An awakening is underway.
For decades, leadership training has focused on the mechanics of ‘doing’—strategies, frameworks, and technical skills. But the future of leadership development lies in ‘being’—the skills of cultivating human intelligence such as presence, congruence, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. The most transformative leaders are not those who simply execute tasks efficiently but those who embody authenticity, inspire trust, and create cultures of psychological safety.
Progressive heads of leadership and development with responsibility for procuring programmes across their international leader populations are seeking programmes which have the optimum blend of leadership, executive coaching and effective communication (agility in using the body, breath and voice for differing impact and influence). Leading with human intelligence recognises the connected system. These cannot be learned in a classroom, no matter how prestigious the business school or executive education centre. This is beyond academic education and yet is the hot topic of research.
Human intelligence—the very essence of what makes leadership effective. When leaders operate from a place of deep self-awareness and emotional mastery, they don’t just manage people; they elevate them.
And let’s not forget that the role of a leader is to align many around a common goal, with the art of human assistance. The latter part has, until now, remained dormant and almost ignored.
That is until now.
Human intelligence is the ability to adapt, in order to engage, influence and move many into action. It focuses on who you need to ‘be’ as a leader, not on what you need to ‘do’. The work is internal first. It blends inter, intra and organisational. It work with mental, emotional and physical intelligence. This is the ultimate definition of the natural leader.
Why the Shift Matters
The speed of change in business is unprecedented. AI, automation, and digital transformation are redefining how we work. But amidst this rapid evolution, one thing remains unchanged: people drive success. Teams don’t follow leaders because of their technical expertise alone; they follow them because of their ability to connect, empathize, and inspire.
Leadership development is beginning to now prioritize being over doing—helping leaders cultivate adaptability, resilience, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Investing in Human Intelligence
Forward-thinking organizations are already shifting their leadership training to focus on:
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ): Leaders with high EQ make better decisions, foster stronger relationships, and lead with empathy.
- Mindfulness & Presence: Leaders who practice self-awareness and mindfulness make clearer, more conscious choices.
- Psychological Safety: Creating an environment where innovation thrives requires leaders who make people feel seen, heard, and valued.
The return on investment? A leadership culture that is resilient, inspiring, and future-proof. In a world where change is constant, the best leaders won’t just be those who know what to do; they will be those who know how to be.
The future belongs to leaders who master the art of being. Will your organisation be ready? If you would like to know how, chat with us at the natural leader.