Research from the School of Business and Management, Institut Teknologi Bandung (SBM ITB), shows that leadership is not solely determined by competence. Integrity, humility, adaptability, and exemplary behaviour are also key leadership qualities.
Associate Professor of Behavioural Science at SBM ITB, Dr Yuni Ros Bangun, explained this in the session “Everyday Leadership: From Leading Yourself, Team, to Community” at the 7th HCM Talks Series 2026 at the SBM ITB Freeport Building on Wednesday (September 23, 2026). The research compiled 557 success stories of leaders from the business, academic, government, social, and spiritual sectors. The student respondents selected these individuals as role models due to their achievements, excellence in their respective fields, capacity to lead large, innovative organizations, idealism, and humility.
According to Yuni, a leader requires communication skills, people skills, organizational management, problem-solving, decision-making, strategic thinking, and the ability to develop other leaders. These competencies must go hand in hand with integrity, optimism, adaptability, and exemplary behavior.
“Leadership is not only about competence, but also about how a leader conducts themselves. Integrity, humility, and the ability to lead by example are important parts of how a leader builds trust and exerts influence,” said Yuni.
In the Indonesian context, the research also found social and spiritual dimensions to leadership. The view of work as devotion to God emerged alongside values of nationalism, sincerity, and exemplary behaviour.
Yuni believes the human side is even more important as technology, data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence increasingly influence the world of work.
“In a world increasingly influenced by data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, being human will matter. Purpose, meaning, and empathy are becoming increasingly important in leadership,” she said.
Moris Krismas Tarigan, President Director of PT Larsen and Toubro, said that leadership is formed through daily practice, even before someone holds a formal position.
“Leadership begins before the title,” he said.
According to Moris, leaders are tasked with unlocking their own and others’ potential. Leadership doesn’t stop at personal achievement; it also includes building trust, enhancing capabilities, and giving team members space to grow.
He divided everyday leadership into three stages: lead yourself, lead your team, and lead your community. Character and courage are the foundation for self-leadership, while trust and capability are necessary for team building.
Moris encouraged participants to begin leadership through small, consistent actions. This message was summarized in the call to action, “Start Small. Start Today.” This means taking one courageous action, empowering one person, and serving one community.
Komodo Water Founder and CEO Shana Fatina then led the discussion to purpose-based leadership and community contributions. She explained that each person exerts influence through their choices, actions, and the example they set.
“Every day, we influence someone, through our choices, our actions, and the example we set. Before we lead others, we need to learn to lead ourselves,” Shana said.
Leadership then evolves from the individual to the family, community, society, and environment. In building a community, leaders need to understand the context, build legitimacy, and manage relationships with stakeholders.
Shana also emphasized the relationship between business sustainability, the environment, and society.
“Long-term business success is built on a sustainable environment and a resilient society,” she said.
DNX Indonesia President Director Amsyah Sebayang, who was present as a commentator, added that leaders must be humble, empathetic, and able to set an example. Competence, he said, needs to go hand in hand with character and the ability to understand the people they lead.
