Leadership principle 2: Train your decision-making gene
Even if you have the right gut feeling, and even if all the facts have been checked and pros and cons lists have been drawn up, there is always a certain risk of making the supposedly wrong decision. That’s why decisions always require courage. But you can train that too.
Tip: Explain statements like “When should I do that again?”, “Why always me?” etc. a taboo in itself. Because these are “victim” statements. Formulate “doer” statements from them – such as “What do I need to achieve my goal?”, “It is what it is – how do we move forward now?”. In the future, always be clear about which questions about a situation or decision are unspoken in your head and write them down.
Leadership principle 3: Put people at the center of your leadership actions
Good managers see employees first and foremost as people. Accordingly, people, their talents and strengths should be the focus of your actions. Help the employee achieve more than what they think they are capable of. How to turn followers into followers.
Tip: Always ask yourself questions about your own view of humanity: What do you believe in when it comes to working together and living together with other people – deep down inside, where you also “hide” your prejudices? Be honest with yourself. Also think about how you feel about your position in your company’s culture. What image of humanity is lived there? The clarity helps you be authentic and congruent.
Leadership principle 4: Act reliably as a role model
Your authority always depends on whether you are a reliable role model for your employees. But you are only a role model if your words and your actions match. Take the phrase “Walk your talk!” as a motto, always be binding.
Tip: Get detailed feedback from third parties about how you are perceived externally. These can be mentors, good acquaintances or trustworthy colleagues. Check whether your own image and that of others match. What values do others believe you represent? And how strongly do they feel that your values match your actions?
