Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries

Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries is an internationally renowned leadership expert and Professor of Leadership Development at INSEAD. He has written more than 30 books and over 200 articles on leadership, organizational behavior, and executive coaching, with his books being translated into 28 languages. His subtle, yet highly effective approach combines research, practical experience, case studies, and personal anecdotes to make his points come alive.

With a background in economics, psychology, organizational behavior and human resources, Manfred Kets de Vries brings a unique perspective to his work in leadership development. His research spans the areas of psychoanalysis, group dynamics, team building, leadership aspects of consulting, team and individual psychological assessment, executive coaching, and business ethics.

Kets de Vries believes that effective leadership must be based on trust and creating a foundation for constructive dialogue between leaders and their teams. He encourages active listening and brainstorming between team members to produce better results, mentioning that it is amazing what the human brain can do when solicited to cooperate with others.

Kets de Vries believes strongly in work-life balance. He argues that leaders need to pay greater attention to the psychological well-being of their employees, and recommends that leaders establish a process whereby work-life issues can be discussed freely and in a non-judgmental way. His advice is based on his deep understanding of people and organizations, which he is able to translate effectively into practical advice.

One of Kets de Vries' best-known books is Speaking of Excellence: Effective Leadership Through Language. This book investigates the key role language plays in leadership. It examines how different types of language can have a major impact on the behavior of people, and how the use of language can string together the individual and team elements of an organization. Kets de Vries also provides examples of how and why leaders must effectively use language in order to be successful, as well as provides solutions to potential problems and opportunities.

Another popular book by Kets de Vries is Global Leadership, which explores the expanding role of leaders to become global citizens of the world. De Vries’s study attempts to define global leadership and how these individuals can effectively develop a vision for the enterprise, build trust and credibility with stakeholders, and utilize their relationships and their ability to influence stakeholders in order to achieve their objectives. Kets de Vries further explains how leaders must strive to recognize, respect, and adapt to different cultures in order to be successful in a global context.

Manfred Kets de Vries has made a lasting impact on the field of leadership development and continues to be an influential leader, author, and educator. His work has been essential in understanding the complexities of relationships, teams and leadership. As businesses around the world continue to strive for growth and success, Kets de Vries' research and teachings will remain integral components in the ever-evolving business world.