This section examines the role of cognitive diversity in leadership processes and its contribution to the innovation capacity of organizations. Cognitive diversity encompasses differences in individuals' knowledge, experience, mental models, problem-solving styles, and ways of thinking, and becomes a strategic element in terms of leadership. Literature reviews reveal findings that cognitive diversity enhances creativity in the idea generation and implementation stages, strengthens knowledge sharing, and supports organizations’ ability to adapt to conditions of uncertainty. However, risks such as communication problems, conflict, and decision-making delays can also arise, and therefore, psychological trust, inclusivity, and cognitive diversity behaviors are seen as crucial. In this section, the impact of cognitive diversity on innovative work behavior is evaluated within the framework of information processing theory, team mental models, and heterogeneous team dynamics, and it is concluded that cognitive diversity, when managed correctly, is a strategic leadership tool that provides competitive advantage to organizations.