In the latest podcast episode of "Hope is not a strategy", Daniela Ben Said gives deep insights into her many years of experience as an entrepreneur, author and speaker. As a leader with over 30 years of experience in various fields, she talks about how crucial clarity and consistency are in leadership - especially in times when many leaders are hesitant to make clear decisions. Her views are both practical and visionary, inviting leaders to confront their own inner barriers.
Uncertainty in modern leadership: decisions based on fear
One of the main themes of this episode is the uncertainty that many managers face today. Daniela notes that many decision-makers are often reluctant to set clear guidelines or make uncomfortable decisions for fear of losing employees or negative reactions. This fear leads to important issues - the so-called "elephants in the room" - not being addressed. But this is precisely where the danger lies: if you don't make clear decisions, you run the risk of the entire team losing direction.
Daniela emphasizes that clarity and consistency are essential to promote trust and stability in teams. Managers must show courage to set clear boundaries, even if this can be unpleasant. Without clear rules and guidelines, no team can work successfully - she draws this insight from her many years of experience and compares it to the natural structure in the animal world.
Leadership and the animal kingdom: what we can learn from wolves and horses
A central theme in Daniela's leadership theory is learning from animals. She uses the example of a pack of wolves or a team of horses to illustrate how clear structures and hierarchies work in nature. In a pack of wolves, there are fixed rules that are respected by every member - this structure ensures the survival of the group. The situation is similar in a company: Clear leadership and regulated processes promote success and prevent chaos.
But leadership is not just about clarity and strictness. Daniela explains that it is just as important to show care and motivation. A manager must recognize the needs of employees and respond to them without losing control of the direction. This balancing act is essential for successful long-term leadership.
Questioning growth pressure: the balance between success and stability
In a world where constant growth and expansion are often seen as the ultimate goal, Daniela Ben Said argues for an alternative approach. She questions the "always higher, faster, further" mantra and emphasizes that it is not always necessary to continuously expand a company. Growth at any cost often leads to excessive demands and can cause people to lose sight of the essentials - their own values and goals.
Daniela shares her personal experience in which she made a conscious decision to let go of certain projects, such as the campsite that opened during the Corona period. For her, this decision did not mean giving up, but rather gaining freedom and space to focus on her most important projects: her animals and her farm.
This reveals a key aspect of Daniela's leadership approach: letting go can sometimes be the best decision to ensure long-term success. Companies and managers should have the courage to let go of unproductive projects and focus their energy on what really matters.
Authenticity in times of crisis: Leadership also means emotional strength
Daniela also addresses the emotional side of leadership. She talks openly about her own crises and challenges that she has had to overcome in the course of her career. One particularly formative example is the collaboration with an investor that almost cost her her entire company. This experience taught her how important it is to stick to your values even in times of crisis and to have the emotional strength to make difficult decisions.
She advises managers to become aware of their own emotions and not to suppress them. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in leadership, because only those who know and reflect on their own feelings can lead authentically and control the emotional dynamics in teams. Especially in times of crisis, it is important not to despair, but to see challenges as an opportunity to grow - both as a person and as a manager.
The importance of clarity and values in leadership
In conclusion, Daniela emphasizes that leadership - like life itself - is always a question of values. A company is like a family: it needs clear rules, structure and care, but also a set of values that guide all decisions. Managers who know their values and act accordingly not only create stable companies, but also gain the trust and respect of their teams.
In today's often uncertain world, this clarity and consistency is invaluable. Daniela's podcast offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of modern leadership and is an inspiration for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills and put their organizations on a value-driven footing.
SHOWNOTES
Hope is not a strategy
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