Analysis of the leader’s role in ensuring project success: style, adaptability, and emotional intelligence

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to explore the critical role of leadership in ensuring the success of a project. It aims to analyze how various leadership styles, skills, and strategies contribute to effective project management, team cohesion, and the achievement of project goals. The study seeks to highlight the direct and indirect ways in which a leader influences project outcomes and how leadership adaptability can address challenges faced in different phases of project implementation. Design / Method / Approach. The research employs a qualitative approach, examining existing literature on leadership in project management. Findings. The findings suggest that leadership plays a decisive role in project success. The ability of a leader to adapt to unforeseen challenges, manage team dynamics, and make informed decisions under pressure is crucial. The study also emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, especially in maintaining team morale and motivation. Theoretical Implications. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of leadership in project management by providing a framework that links leadership styles to specific project success factors. It reinforces existing theories of transformational and adaptive leadership, while also proposing new insights into the significance of emotional intelligence and decision-making agility in project environments. Practical Implications. For project managers and organizations, this study offers practical guidance on how to develop leadership capabilities that enhance project success. Training programs that focus on emotional intelligence, communication skills, and adaptability are recommended for project leaders. Moreover, organizations are encouraged to foster a culture that supports continuous learning and leadership development. Originality / Value. The originality of this paper lies in its comprehensive analysis of leadership in diverse project environments. The value of the study extends to both academic and practical applications, offering actionable insights for improving project leadership. Research Limitations / Future Research. The study is limited by its qualitative nature and the specific industries from which data were collected. Future research could expand the scope to include quantitative analysis and explore leadership in different cultural and organizational contexts. Paper Type. Review Paper.