Agile thinking as the core of modern leadership intelligence

A new kind of leadership intelligence: Leading through ambiguity

A beverage company’s strategic horizon spanned ten years – precisely planned, data-driven, and focused on long-term trends. Innovation cycles, sustainability goals, expansion strategies: everything was clearly defined. But after only two years, a surprising merger with a technology-oriented health brand changed the entire situation. The management team had to rethink everything abruptly – not only operationally, but also at the level of leadership intelligence.

The joint process quickly revealed that there was no lack of traditional intelligence and emotional competence. However, in times of increasing uncertainty, a more advanced form of leadership intelligence was needed—the ability to hold contradictory realities simultaneously, tolerate ambiguity, and make decisions beyond familiar references.

Thoughts from the current scientific debate—including those of Kathryn Hayden—show how much our understanding of intelligence is changing. They shed light on the question of whether traditional concepts such as IQ are sufficient or whether modern leadership requires entirely new dimensions of intelligence.

Limitations of traditional intelligence – and its expansion through leadership intelligence

The discussion surrounding intelligence highlights key points that are relevant to leadership today:

• IQ tests only capture a small part of what people are actually capable of achieving.
• Creative intelligence is becoming increasingly important in light of technological developments such as AI.
• Spiritual and intuitive intelligence are increasingly regarded as valuable components of holistic leadership development.
• Practical and creative talents remain underrepresented in many selection processes.

These perspectives form an important basis for understanding and developing leadership intelligence more comprehensively.

From IQ and EQ to integrative leadership intelligence

For many years, IQ and EQ were considered the decisive foundations of successful leadership. But modern leadership demands more. Leadership intelligence combines analytical acuity, emotional awareness, intuitive insights, and the ability to use complexity constructively.

It combines several areas of expertise:

• Logic and emotion
• Acting and reflecting
• Security and doubt

This integrative mindset enables leaders to remain clear despite uncertainty, listen deeply, and still act decisively. It promotes innovation without losing direction.

Paul Torrance already demonstrated that creative thinkers accept ambiguity—a key element of modern leadership intelligence. Effective leadership is not based on avoiding complexity, but on actively shaping it.

Effective leadership not only combines knowledge and empathy—it is characterized by the ability to navigate complexity intelligently.

The ability to embrace ambiguity as an element of leadership intelligence

Accepting ambiguity and using it productively is not purely a question of attitude. It is a skill that can be developed and is a central component of modern leadership intelligence.

Studies show that up to 80% of the most creative people are overlooked by standardized tests. This makes it clear that organizations need new ways to recognize potential and specifically promote skills in dealing with ambiguity.

Why leadership intelligence is indispensable today

In a world that is increasingly volatile, complex, and interconnected, leadership intelligence is becoming a decisive factor for success. It helps managers:

• Maintaining multiple perspectives simultaneously
• Authentically connecting diverse teams
• Making decisions that integrate conflicting requirements
• Avoiding groupthink and strengthening critical dialogue
• Enabling sustainable innovation through complexity

Leadership intelligence thus represents a new understanding of leadership: away from purely rational or emotional skills – toward integrative thinking that combines stability, creativity, and adaptability.

|Andrew Grant

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