Adaptive Leadership: Unleashing the Power of Evolutionary Psychology in the Workplace 

Adaptive leadership is essential for navigating complex leader-follower dynamics in the workplace. How can leaders adapt their style to meet the fundamental needs of their teams and the challenges of the environment? How do different leadership approaches impact team performance and organizational success? What role do gender differences play in leadership styles, and how do they shape team interactions? 

“Interesting to reflect on power techniques and authority techniques—especially on finding the right blend of both. Food for thought.”
— Participant

In this workshop, professor Mark van Vugt presents the latest scientific insights on adaptive leadership from an evolutionary perspective. Participants engage in interactive exercises that reveal their leadership tendencies and explore how these influence workplace dynamics. We will reflect on these insights and derive practical, hands-on strategies to strengthen personal leadership qualities and create high-performing, supportive work environments.  

Aims: 

  1. Understand the evolutionary origins and functions of leadership 

  1. Understand fundamental needs within your team and organization. 

  1. Discover how to adapt your leadership style to different situations. 

  1. Understand gender differences in leadership styles and their impact on teams and organizations. 

Find out more:  

Van Vugt, M. (2025). Naar een evolutionaire A&O psychologie. Gedrag & Organisatie. 

Van Vugt, M., & Wildschut, M. (2022). Gezag: de wetenschap van macht, gezag en leiderschap. Lev. 

 

This workshop can be offered in Dutch or English.