Good Leadership in Times of Ambiguity

On September 2, Claus Rerup, Professor of Management at Frankfurt School, launched the new exclusive alumni event series “Impact, Insights & Innovation”. Through this new series, Frankfurt School aims to give graduates a glimpse into its research and provide them with new inspiration.

“The Future of Experience: Leadership When Experience Can’t Be Trusted” was the topic of Rerup’s talk. His research question: How can good leadership be achieved when experience and data no longer can be used as valid bases for decision-making?

Due to geopolitical, technological and climate changes, leaders rely more than ever on valid data to make sound decisions. Yet the process by which data and analyses are generated is increasingly opaque. Artificial intelligence, algorithms, and echo chambers give rise to seemingly apparent facts or plausible perspectives. Drawing on studies of the British military co-authored with Alfred Jackson (Oxford University), Rerup illustrated how meaning emerges under circumstances where the validity of data and experiences, as well as the intentions of sources, are not always clear-cut.

He demonstrated why sensemaking today is complex—especially for leaders. For him, good leadership means acknowledging one’s own doubts and vulnerabilities. This also involves valuing the team’s diverse perspectives and experiences and incorporating them into decision-making, questioning one’s own assumptions to collectively make sound decisions.

A lively discussion ensued with the alumni, during which they shared their own challenges.

Professor Dr Frank Ecker, Vice President Research, opened the event by highlighting Frankfurt School’s research strength and its growing international recognition with regard to research capacity across all departments. Its continued success in the UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankings reflects the quality and impact of its research, and also its progress relative to leading peer institutions worldwide. Building on this momentum, Frankfurt School aspires to further strengthen its position among the world’s leading research-driven business schools.

Nov. 25: Finance Professor Dr Sacha Steffen at “Impact, Insights & Innovation”

Frankfurt School is organising “Impact, Insights & Innovation” in a hybrid manner; events start at 8:30 a.m. You can participate online or on campus (breakfast will be provided). Finance Professor Dr Sascha Steffen, DWS Senior Chair in Finance, will talk at the next event on November 25. Alumni are welcome to send us their email addresses to ensure they receive an invitation: j.georgi@fs.de