The aim of this research was twofold. First to find out if the measurement techniques on which we base leadership recruitment and development work well: second, to come to a view on this issue, it was obviously critical to understand what was being measured – what ‘definition’ of leadership is current in Europe.

European thinking about leadership

European interest in leadership is widespread, growing and will continue to grow. However levels of interest and understanding within different parts of Europe differ and it is unlikely that one model or approach will work within all countries.

The manager/leadership distinction is still believed: leaders lead people; managers manage things and processes. Too often organisations mistake the two roles. It’s unclear whether one person can do both jobs.

Leadership is changing.