The selection of leaders is one of the most consequential decisions any organization can make. Strong leadership fuels innovation, culture, and growth, while poor choices drain value, damage trust, and drive talent away. Research consistently shows that bad leadership is one of the biggest drivers of disengagement and turnover, costing companies billions each year. With so much at stake, the selection of leaders should never be left to chance.

Why the Selection of Leaders Often Goes Wrong

Despite a century of behavioral science proving that leadership effectiveness can be predicted, many organizations still rely on charisma, confidence, and gut instinct. These traits often mask deeper issues, confusing confidence with competence and extroversion with vision. The result? Bad bosses who create toxic cultures and even harm employee well-being. Gallup data shows global engagement rates remain stubbornly low, largely because people quit managers—not companies. To reverse this, organizations must rethink how they approach the selection of leaders.

Four Ways to Improve the Selection of Leaders

First, follow the science by using validated assessments, structured interviews, and data-driven tools that identify competence, integrity, and emotional intelligence. Second, sanitize performance metrics so leaders are judged on outcomes like retention, productivity, and ethics—not politics or popularity. Third, experiment continuously, adopting new methods that improve predictive accuracy while discarding what doesn’t work. Finally, focus on timeless basics: competence, integrity, and emotional intelligence, supported by coachability—the willingness to grow and adapt. These principles create a stronger foundation for leadership success.

Building the Future Through Better Leaders

When organizations commit to a more rigorous process, the selection of leaders becomes a true strategic advantage. By combining science, data, and timeless qualities, companies can reduce costly missteps while elevating the leaders who inspire trust and performance. In a world where leadership impacts not only organizations but also communities and societies, choosing wisely matters more than ever. With better systems in place, we can build a future where leaders aren’t just selected—they are set up to succeed.