ETL Global’s Jagoda Gołębiewska argues future leadership will emphasize empathy and dialogue over traditional hard power approaches in business and politics.
Leadership Beyond Business
Jagoda Gołębiewska notes that questions about what constitutes good leadership today increasingly extend beyond business to include politics and social life, examining leadership styles across different sectors of society.
The Trump Example
Gołębiewska points to Donald Trump, president of the United States, as an example whose governing style is often perceived as based on strength and unilateral decisions. “Donald Trump presents his unique, unparalleled style, which is associated with hard hand rule,” she observes.
Democratic Paradox
She emphasizes that such an image is largely constructed, as behind every leader stands an entire institutional apparatus: cabinet members, advisors, and experts. “The truth is, behind him stands the entire cabinet and a series of advisors,” notes Gołębiewska, reminding that even the most expressive political figures operate within defined structures.
She argues that messages from such leaders can be ambiguous—presenting themselves as strong, authoritarian decision-makers while coming to power through democratic elections. “Donald Trump was elected in general elections and we must respect that,” says the ETL Global board member, pointing to the tension between leadership style and democratic mechanisms.
Behavioral Economics Perspective
Referencing behavioral economics, Jagoda Gołębiewska notes that effective leadership must take into account social sentiments and the real needs of people. “Most of us need freedom and liberties, want to live according to our own rules,” she emphasizes. For this reason, she believes, models based solely on strength and control have limited durability.
The Empathy Advantage
In the long run, a style based on empathy, dialogue, and soft skills proves more effective. “The future solution lies in basing leadership not only on calculation but also on empathy,” she is convinced. As she adds, these competencies are not innate traits but can be developed through self-work, personal development, and critical thinking.
Emotional Intelligence in the AI Era
In her view, the importance of emotional intelligence will only grow, especially in a world where artificial intelligence plays an increasingly significant role in data analysis. “AI will replace us in this area more and more frequently,” she notes. This makes the ability to understand people, emotions, and relationships a key differentiator for leaders in both business and politics.
Gołębiewska concludes that leadership of the future is not about domination but about the ability to build trust and guide people through uncertain times. It is these qualities, not strength or authoritarianism, that may prove to be the most enduring foundation of effective management.