How do you lead your teams to deal with increasing competition and a fast-changing economic climate? Discontinuous changes and high uncertainty call for an enhanced sense of meaningfulness for the whole organisation. They mean leaders must make sure employees understand changes are part of a larger picture that stretches beyond the organisation.
This course is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.
During this four-day intensive RSM Executive Education programme you will explore how to bring out the best in yourself and others to deliver exceptional performance for your company. By unlocking the organisation’s collective intelligence and working with emerging ideas, you will move your company forward, motivate your team, and successfully reach business goals.
Led by Prof. Dirk van Dierendonck and executive coach Eline Peeters, the programme will accelerate your learning, development, action and impact through the practical application of methods and tools in your own business challenges. Your learning journey will also be supported by a 360° evaluation, one-on-one coaching session, two thought-provoking dinner sessions and a leadership boxing clinic.
The Challenge of Leadership programme will expand your leadership repertoire; you will gain new perspectives, increase your ability as a leader and develop your own way to inspire your people. You will be ready to take your teams and company to the next performance level.
The Challenge of Leadership is a module of RSM’s Advanced Management and Leadership Programme (AMLP), but can also be followed separately. The intensive modular management programme will sharpen your critical thinking skills and enable you to enhance your impact as a leader.
If you have only some experience, or are new to managing teams, we advise you to look at our Team Leadership programme instead.
“There were strong cross-cultural interactions with other leaders, valuable time spent with the cohort, and a creative and professional atmosphere, learning from professors and managers with proven experience and knowledge. I learned to listen to my peers and interact with them more strongly than I had before. Understanding this leverage has increased the possibilities of developing my organisation further – and in a smarter way – than in the past. Understanding my impact, my power to influence, and the way I behave to consciously drive human developments and corporate developments is the biggest insight from the programme. I use this at work every day.”
''The RSM Advanced Management and Leadership Programme covers all the topics relevant for my personal development. This, combined with RSM’s high ranking and undisputed reputation, made RSM the best choice!
The Challenge of Leadership for me was an eye-opener since this module addressed most of the topics and challenges I encounter in my leadership role. The break-room sessions certainly add value, as these allow for interaction on a much deeper level between the candidates from different companies who encounter practically the same challenges. Various sessions covering different topics create an open environment where direct feedback is provided, which I found to be of great value for building more confidence in my appearance, as well as in my leadership style. This is something that I can directly apply and further improve in everyday life.''
''RSM’s The Challenge of Leadership taught me how to reflect on my behaviour in stress situations. The programme is an inspirational and challenging way to learn current management theories, and to understand yourself better. There’s a variety of theory and practice. With the professional guidance of a coach and a professor, I learned inspiring ways of looking at my own management style. For me this was really an eye-opener.''
''My recent experience with the Challenge of Leadership program at RSM was truly transformative. I chose RSM because of its global reputation for combining academic excellence with practical insights, particularly in leadership. What stood out to me was the interactive nature of the sessions, where real-life scenarios were explored in depth, allowing me to reflect on my own leadership style.
Throughout the programme, I gained a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence and how it plays a crucial role in effective leadership. The programme equipped me with tools to better navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and I now feel more confident in driving innovation and collaboration within my team. The insights I gathered will allow me to inspire and motivate those around me to not only achieve their goals but to also embrace positive change. This programme has reinforced my commitment to continuous learning, and I’m eager to apply these new perspectives to create a more resilient and adaptable organization.''
During The Challenge of Leadership Programme you will learn from Prof. Dirk van Dierendonck and Eline Peeters. Occasionally we may substitute other faculty members according to the content of the programme and their availability.
Dirk van Dierendonck is professor of Leadership and Management, organizational psychologist, and department chair at RSM. He also co-founded the Erasmus Centre for Leadership. Dirk’s expertise includes servant leadership and leadership development, wellbeing, happiness and burnout. He encourages people to become the best they can be, using an evidence-based approach grounded in psychology and management. His research has been published in leading journals on management, organisational behaviour and human resource management. Dirk translates academic knowledge into practical tools for HR professionals, such as EU-funded projects about cultural diversity, age management and artful leadership.
Eline Peeters is a senior trainer and executive coach with a broad expertise in the fields of leadership, personal effectiveness and communication. She believes that development starts with consciousness and is nurtured by experience. That’s why she finds focus on both awareness and experimentation essential. Eline facilitates and challenges people to expand their comfort zone in matters of leadership by using appreciative inquiry and curiosity. She searches for what drives behaviour by exploring convictions and values.
18 - 21 March 2025
17 - 20 June 2025
€ 6,600 (excl. 21% VAT) including course materials, lunches, and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.
15% discount for alumni from Erasmus University Rotterdam and RSM.
All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking to learn new skills and gain more knowledge in business and management education.
Here’s why you should choose RSM:
This programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.
Most programmes start at 09:00. Finishing times are different for each programme. There’s also an approximate schedule in each programme’s brochure and on its webpages. When you register for a programme you will be given access to Canvas, our online learning system, and the full schedule is in Canvas. Your programme manager will hand out a detailed schedule on the first day of your programme.
Class sizes are usually between 12 to 24 people, but it does depend on the programme. We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities.
Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 15% discount.
RSM alumni are students who have completed either a bachelor of science, master of science, PhD or one executive education programme of more than 40 credit hours. Additionally, companies which sponsor several participants may also be offered a special price.
Participants of open programmes of less than 40 credit hours will not receive a discount.
Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, access to the RSM study facilities and dynamic learning environment. This also includes lunch and refreshments throughout the programme.
Hotel accommodation is not included, so please make individual arrangements for your stay in Rotterdam. See more information in the Transportation, directions and accommodation section below.
If you require hotel accommodation during your stay in Rotterdam, we recommend a few hotels:
Please contact the hotels directly to make and secure your own reservations.
Note: We recommend that you select the flexible booking option when reserving a room.
Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.
If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.
Programme advisor
It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.