27 April 2026
Why We Select the Wrong Leaders
Organizations often look for well-rounded leaders. Research shows that performance primarily comes from distinctive strengths, not from average profiles.
Insights
At Longtail, we believe in the power of evidence-based leadership. Bart Dietz, co-founder of Longtail and Assistant Professor at the Rotterdam School of Management, regularly conducts research on performance and leadership. Here, we share insights from our own research, practical recommendations, and scientifically-based strategies. Discover how data and proven methods contribute to success and the development of exceptional leadership.
23 November 2025
Attracting top talent? Why financial rewards matter less than you think
New research by Sunny Lee (University College London) and Bart Dietz (Erasmus University & Advisory Partner at Longtail Search & Interim) shows that traditional assumptions about what attracts talent do not always hold true.
18 August 2025
Don’t choose top talent for every role – only for the right ones
Many organizations focus their talent management efforts solely on finding and developing so-called “A-players”: top performers with high potential. Logical, you might think, but that’s only half the story. According to Huselid, Beatty and Becker (2005), it’s not about who you hire, but where you deploy them.
24 July 2025
Interim & Fractional A-Players: The Difference Between Standing Still and Accelerating Growth
What distinguishes a company that remains stuck in mediocrity for months from one that quickly sets direction and delivers results? The answer lies in the quality of leadership during times of change — and in these moments, A-players serving as interim managers or fractional executives play a pivotal role.