A recent article by Professor Jeroen Stouten in De Tijd highlights a critical issue: the tendency to equate experience with expertise. While years of experience are often seen as the ultimate benchmark of competence, research shows this is not always the best measure. In times of disruption and complexity, we must look beyond the past to identify who truly adds value today. Here, a frequently overlooked factor becomes pivotal: complexity orientation.
The problem with experience as a measure
Experience is often seen as the safe choice. The number of years in a role appears to be a straightforward, measurable indicator of suitability. However, as Stouten points out, experience can be misleading. The years someone spends in a role reveal little about what they have learned or how adaptable they are to new situations.
This issue is particularly pronounced in senior roles. Success strategies that worked in the past are often blindly replicated without accounting for the unique dynamics and challenges of a new context. The result? Failures caused by a lack of flexibility and adaptability. A focus on what someone has done often comes at the expense of considering what they can do.
Complexity orientation: A key to future success
A critical yet often underestimated factor in leadership is what we describe as complexity orientation: the ability to process complex, often intangible information and act effectively in a dynamic environment. As roles become more demanding, this capability grows increasingly vital. It’s not about how long someone has worked but how well they can anticipate, adapt, and create value in ever-changing circumstances.
This goes hand in hand with emotional maturity—skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, accountability, and adaptability. Leaders who demonstrate higher levels of maturity are better equipped to manage complexity and ambiguity. They can integrate diverse perspectives and continuously transform themselves in response to new challenges.
Motivation also plays a crucial role. Our actions are driven by deeply rooted values that are universal yet vary in emphasis among individuals. Leaders motivated by values like universality and benevolence are more inclined to make decisions that promote collective well-being. These intrinsic motivations enable leaders to look beyond self-interest and drive sustainable, positive change within their organisations and beyond. This internal drive fosters continuous growth and adaptability, better equipping leaders to tackle the challenges of a complex environment.
The challenge for organisations
What does this mean for organisations searching for leaders? It starts with recognising that not everything can be shaped and that potential is just as important as past performance. Organisations should ask themselves:
- What level of complexity and value creation must this leader handle?
- How can the candidate add value within the unique challenges and values of the organisation?
- What is the growth potential we expect to see in a candidate? What stages of value creation should a candidate be able to contribute to over time?
By addressing these questions, the focus shifts from static résumés to a dynamic understanding of what it takes to achieve sustainable success.
A new perspective on leadership
True expertise is not measured by years of experience but by an awareness what needs to be considered at a certain organisational level and by a commitment to continuous learning, development, and adaptation. As Stouten rightly points out, expertise is not a destination but a journey. For organisations, this means looking beyond superficial signals of experience or confidence. They must seek out the capability that lies at the origin of the built up expertise to understand of that capability is ready for more.
This requires a rethink of how we assess leadership and talent. Complexity orientation provides a powerful alternative. It enables organisations to evaluate leaders based on how they navigate complexity, incorporating this allows to choose the right leaders.
Motivation and emotional maturity are also critical in this context. They ensure that leaders are not only effective in navigating disruption but also capable of inspiring and guiding others on that journey. By focusing on these qualities, organisations can build leadership that drives lasting success.
