The Human Side of Megaprojects: Leadership Style and Traits to Face Growing Levels of Complexity and Uncertainty

Abstract

Megaprojects, given their complexity, have a tendency to fail or at least not to achieve the objectives initially planned. The gross error committed consists in recognizing a marginal role to the management style of human resources and specifically in not giving adequate importance to some leadership traits which instead prove to be fundamental. Within this research work, a leadership style based on three characteristics is proposed: widespread, aware and sustainable (WAS leadership style). 12 leadership traits are analyzed through the life stories of megaproject leaders. Storytelling and narrative are proposed as a method of analysis as they are considered most suitable for bringing out the salient features we want to highlight. The aim is to identify the leadership strategies, vision, sense-making, style and leadership traits of megaprojects managers to train new leaders and improve the management of new megaprojects.