Are Our Expectations of Leaders Too High?
Are leaders allowed to show weakness? Speaking on Morgenecho, a morning news program on German public radio station WDR 5, KLU Professor Niels Van Quaquebeke discussed society’s expectations of leaders. The interview followed the resignation of Germany’s Labour Minister and SPD co-leader Bärbel Bas, who cited political pressure and personal grief.
Leaders are human too
In an interview with WDR 5 Morgenecho on October 13, 2026, Van Quaquebeke emphasized that leaders are human, too. However, society tends to idealize them, expecting them to demonstrate strength, confidence, and clarity – even when the world around them is filled with uncertainty.
Vulnerability vs. Capability
Leaders also have personal lives, and outsiders rarely know what challenges they face behind the scenes. Their responses to personal difficulties can therefore vary.
The discussion raised an important question: Does showing vulnerability make someone a less capable leader? Van Quaquebeke emphasized that experiencing grief or personal difficulties does not necessarily diminish a person’s leadership abilities.
More Information
- WDR 5 Morgenecho (October 13, 2026)
