Manfred Kets de Vries

Manfred Kets de Vries turns the hidden psychology of executive life, the fears, blind spots and group dynamics leaders rarely discuss, into practical self-knowledge that produces healthier cultures and higher performing teams.

Leadership Organizational Culture Resilience Inclusive Leadership Talent Strategy

Paris, France

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From hero to zero - when leaders turn bad: Manfred Kets de Vries at TEDxAmsterdam

November 2013

Bio

About Manfred Kets de Vries

Companies are a lot like cars, says Manfred Kets de Vries. They do not run themselves, except downhill. They need people to make them work, and not just any people, but the right ones. Kets de Vries studies what actually drives leaders and organizations, including the unconscious processes and internal social dynamics that most leadership frameworks never touch. Leaders, he argues, need "night vision" to see them.

His destination is what he calls the authentizotic organization: a place of work where people find meaning in what they do, enjoy the people they work with, take pride in their work and trust those they work for. Getting there requires a coaching culture, emotional intelligence at every level and employees who feel able to have courageous conversations.

Topics

Manfred's Keynote Topics

What are the ingredients for a high-performance team? How can an organization’s culture support the creation of such teams? What’s needed to create a coaching oriented environment? How can an organization become a “best place to work” in which people perform at their very best? In an empathetic and compelling delivery, Kets de Vries draws on his long coaching and consulting career and deep personal experiences to throw light on leadership, the relationship between leaders and followers, the reasons why leaders derail, and the challenges we all face. He provokes audience members to reflect on drivers of their behavior and those around them, providing both the insights and the tools needed to create higher performing teams while achieving personal fulfillment. Kets de Vries also addresses the question of what happiness is and how to deconstruct this elusive concept, as well as the need to achieve balance in life which includes resolving the dichotomy between outward and inner success.

“Know thyself” is a critical credo in leadership today, says Manfred Kets de Vries. To become more effective and reflective leaders, executives need to learn how to improve their behavioral reactions to difficult situations and develop greater emotional intelligence. It’s equal parts art and science, but at the heart of both is the leadership imperative to be more human – which in turn brings out the best in the humans who work for and with you. In this presentation, Kets de Vries examines the characteristics of charismatic and transformational leaders, the competencies, practices and roles that distinguish effective from ineffective leaders, and how executives can develop more potent leadership qualities. Discussion covers topics such as the corporate values that encourage and reinforce effective leadership in a global organization and the implications of operating in multi-cultural, global environments.

Research & Writing