Too Much: Leadership, Control & Self-Efficacy in Uncertain Times
The world many leaders navigate today is loud, fast-paced, and increasingly complex. Certainties are shifting, expectations are rising, and roles are becoming more fluid — leaving many executives and professionals feeling stretched between performance, responsibility, and inner stability.
In her new book Too Much, renowned psychologist Prof. Dr. Eva Asselmann explores why the human need for control becomes especially strong in times of uncertainty. When control tightens, pressure increases: stress, exhaustion, strained relationships, and reactive decision-making can follow. In our session, we will discuss how this dynamic manifests in leadership and how leaders can create orientation, resilience and clarity for themselves and others without becoming 'locked' in a seemingly controllable cycle.
Grounded in psychological research and practical insight, Asselmann introduces self-efficacy as a powerful counterbalance. Rather than striving for more control, she invites a shift toward conscious (self-) leadership: strengthening inner agency, navigating ambiguity with presence, and learning when to hold on — and when to let go.
Benefits
- Gain a deeper understanding of how control patterns influence leadership behavior and decision-making
- Learn practical approaches to strengthen self-efficacy and resilience in demanding leadership contexts
- Discover how letting go of excessive control can improve collaboration, trust, and team dynamics
- Explore ways to stay clear, grounded, and capable of action in times of uncertainty and change
- Connect with a community of leaders and practitioners reflecting on sustainable, embodied leadership
About
Eva Asselmann is Professor of Differential and Personality Psychology at HMU Health and Medical University in Potsdam. She has published 50+ peer-reviewed articles, leads major international research projects, and engages in science communication, including popular books on growth, stress, and personality. As a media expert she appears regularly on national TV and radio and in print media, commenting on stress, resilience, personality development and mental health.