Purpose: This paper aims to bring these areas closer by exploring the relationship between the dimensions of strategic intelligence (SI) for leadership and the proactive work behaviours (PWBs) of Upper Egypt universities' employees. Therefore, the research question revolves around: is there a relationship between SI and PWB? Design/methodology/approach: The study relied on a descriptive analytical approach and a stratified random sample. The paper opts for a descriptive study using the survey lists that depends on three scales: strategic leadership intelligence. The sampling unit is represented by the individuals working in Upper Egypt Universities, distributed on a sample of 364 Upper Egypt universities' employees. Findings: The results indicate a significant relationship between dimensions of SI for leadership and the PWBs. Originality/value: Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. This paper is the first to examine, to the authors' knowledge the relationship between intelligence for leadership and the PWBs.