Why True Leadership Starts With You – A Must-Read by Klaas Dijkhoff

In times of turbulence, the concept of leadership often comes into question. Who should lead, and what does effective leadership look like? Klaas Dijkhoff, a scholar and former Dutch minister, challenges the traditional notion that leadership must come from the top in a recent article titled “Awaken, Underdefended!” published in Het Financieele Dagblad. Dijkhoff suggests that true leadership begins with ordinary individuals, such as executives and engineers, who are willing to take risks and act on what society truly needs.

Instead of waiting for a charismatic politician or a visionary figure like Steve Jobs to emerge, Dijkhoff emphasizes that leadership is a quality that can be demonstrated by anyone. He highlights that significant change, whether in areas like energy transition or social innovation, often originates from the actions of entrepreneurs, scientists, activists, and everyday citizens. Only after individuals have initiated progress do politics and institutions follow suit.

According to Dijkhoff, “Leadership rarely comes from the top. It arises where people stand up and take risks.” He points out that historical narratives tend to simplify complex movements by attributing leadership to a single individual, typically a white man, creating the misconception that one person alone initiated all change.

Dijkhoff’s article delivers an empowering message to the readers of eeNews Europe, particularly engineers, executives, and innovators. For those who may have hesitated to pursue their ideas due to fear of imperfection or doubt about their impact, Dijkhoff’s argument is a call to action. True leadership, he asserts, is not about flawless plans or seeking approval; it is about taking initiative, experimenting, and continuously refining one’s approach.

“Leadership requires launching imperfect ideas,” Dijkhoff emphasizes, echoing the sentiment of his colleague Tom De Bruyne. He encourages individuals to embrace criticism as a tool for improvement and to inspire others to contribute their own innovative solutions. The essence of leadership, as Dijkhoff suggests, lies in the willingness to take risks, invite feedback, and collaborate towards a shared vision of progress.