Seeing Failure in the Correct Light: The 7 Abilities Needed to Fail Forward
Imagine standing on the edge of a vast desert, the scorching sun overhead, the sand shifting beneath your feet. This was the atmosphere at SpaceX in 2008, as Elon Musk and his team faced the aftermath of their third failed rocket launch. The tension was palpable, the smell of burnt fuel still lingering in the air. The mood was somber, the weight of failure pressing down heavily on everyone. Elon Musk, however, had a different perspective. He saw this failure not as a defeat but as a stepping stone. "Every successful person is someone who failed, yet never regarded themselves as a failure," says John Maxwell. Musk knew that failure was a part of the journey, a necessary component of ultimate success. The Reality of Failure In the world of mobility, tech, and engineering, failure is inevitable. Projects don't always go as planned, and setbacks can feel insurmountable. But how we perceive and respond to failure makes all the difference. This is where John Maxwell's concept of "Failing...
One Leader’s 4-Phase Journey Through the Five Levels of Leadership
Leadership often takes a backseat to technical prowess in the bustling world of tech and engineering. However, leadership is the force multiplier that can elevate a team from good to great. Let me share a story that highlights the transformative power of leadership. Meet Emma, a brilliant software engineer in the mobility sector. Emma was exceptional at her job, always at the cutting edge of technology. However, she often found herself frustrated with her team's performance. Despite their technical skills, they struggled with collaboration and motivation. Emma initially dismissed the importance of leadership skills, believing that technical excellence was all that mattered. But her frustration led her to explore leadership further, and it transformed her career. Emma's journey started with the realization that there was more to leadership than she had imagined. One day, during a particularly challenging project, her mentor introduced her to John Maxwell's concept of the 5 Levels of...
47 Key Books Every Leader Must Read (this Summer? 😮)
What are you reading this summer? As we dive into the heart of the season, it's a perfect time to reflect on the power of reading. Books are more than just words on a page—they are gateways to new perspectives, strategies, and insights. They challenge our thinking, broaden our understanding, and equip us with the tools to navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and empathy. Reading has been a cornerstone of my development in my journey as an individual, a leader, and, lately, a leadership consultant and executive coach. It has provided me with the wisdom and inspiration to guide leaders like you towards achieving remarkable results. In the spirit of growth and continuous learning, I'm excited to share my personal library and reading recommendations with you. Whether you're an aspiring leader looking to build a strong foundation or an experienced leader seeking fresh insights, these books have the power to transform your leadership journey. Here’s a curated list of 47...
Attitude is always a ‘player’ on your team
As Mark walked into the high-tech automotive workshop, the scent of metal and grease mingled with the faint aroma of fresh coffee. Engineers were busy, their focus shifting between computer screens and electric car components. The atmosphere buzzed with activity, but beneath the surface, a different energy brewed—one driven by attitude. A few months ago, Mark, a senior manager at an automotive engineering firm, hit a rough patch. The state of the economy, geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, and top-down decisions from the mother company in China weighed heavily on him. These challenges cluttered his vision, and he became fixated on circumstances beyond his control. Mark’s once vibrant energy dulled. The workshop, once filled with enthusiasm and innovation, began to feel heavy. Conversations that used to hum with excitement now carried a somber tone. The soft whir of electrical components was overshadowed by a palpable sense of frustration. Mark’s attitude was seeping into the...
How one leader equipped her team for REAL success
Imagine stepping into a bustling automotive workshop, the air filled with the faint hum of electrical components being tested. The scent of metal and lubricant mingles with the occasional whiff of fresh coffee. Engineers are focused on the latest prototypes of electric cars, the soft whir of transformers and capacitors creating a symphony of innovation. It’s another day in the world of engineering, where cutting-edge technology meets the drive for excellence. Today, I want to share a story that illustrates how equipping others for success can multiply your influence as a leader. But first, let’s explore the different types of leaders and their approaches to development. Three Types of Leaders In my experience, leaders generally fall into three categories when it comes to equipping themselves and their teams. The Overlookers The first type is the Overlookers. These leaders believe that they don't need to develop themselves. They think their role is to hire coaches, trainers, or...
The Foundation of REAL Success: Building Strong Relationships
Imagine stepping into the office on a crisp Monday morning, the smell of fresh coffee wafting through the air. As you walk down the hallway, you notice the familiar hum of computers and the soft murmur of conversations. The energy is palpable, and it’s not just because of the pending deadlines or the innovative projects in the pipeline. It’s the relationships that fuel this environment, and today, I want to share a story that illustrates why building strong relationships is the cornerstone of REAL success. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of working with Sarah, a brilliant software engineer turned project manager in a leading tech company. Sarah was exceptional at her job, but she realized that her technical prowess alone wasn’t enough to elevate her team’s performance. She needed to connect on a deeper level with her team, colleagues, clients, and even vendors to achieve the synergy required for success. The Power of Close Relationships Sarah started by focusing on her close...
The 4 Dimensions of Culture: A Journey from Complacency to Courage
Picture this: a tech company that once soared high with groundbreaking innovations, celebrated for its early successes. Let's call it Innovatech. For years, Innovatech basked in the glory of its initial achievements, the sweet scent of victory filling their state-of-the-art offices. However, over time, this very success became their Achilles' heel. The Complacent Phase I first encountered Innovatech when they were in the Complacent phase. The office still buzzed with the energy of past triumphs, but it was clear the spark had dimmed. The once-lively brainstorming sessions now felt routine, almost stale. Teams were comfortable, too comfortable, resting on their laurels. The company had become a living museum of its past glories. I asked their CEO, Sarah, to reflect on their current culture. She admitted they had stopped pushing boundaries. "We're resting on our success," she said. "We've lost the drive to innovate." The Compliant Phase Our first step was to move from complacency to...
How to Delegate and Empower (not just dump tasks)
As a leader, you understand the pressures of managing a heavy workload. But are you truly leveraging your team's strengths to maximize productivity and innovation? Let me share the story of Mark, a talented but overwhelmed leader, and how a shift in his delegation approach transformed his leadership and his team's performance. The Struggle with Delegation Mark was always on the go. His calendar was packed with meetings, project deadlines, and countless tasks that demanded his attention. He was known for his expertise and dedication, but there was one thing he struggled with—delegation. Mark felt it was faster and easier to do things himself rather than pass tasks on to his team. Walking into his office one morning, the smell of freshly brewed coffee barely masked his frustration. His desk, cluttered with reports and proposals, was a testament to his overwhelming workload. He felt the weight of every decision he had to make, every problem he had to solve. His team was capable, yet...
Rising Above: The Power of Perspective in Adversity
Have you ever felt like the walls were closing in? Like every challenge was a towering giant, and you, a mere mortal, were tasked with the impossible? This is a feeling many leaders face, especially in the fast-paced, ever-evolving tech and engineering sectors. But what if I told you that the way you see things could completely transform your ability to lead through adversity? Let me share a story. John's Night Out: A Lesson in Perspective John was a seasoned leader at a tech startup known for his innovative solutions and relentless drive. But lately, things have been tough. The company faced a series of unexpected challenges: a crucial project fell behind schedule, top talent threatened to leave, and funding was tighter than ever. The pressure mounted daily, and John felt like he was losing his grip. His vision clouded by problems, he saw only obstacles. Each day, he left the office drained and defeated. One evening, John's wife suggested they dine at the Sky Restaurant, a renowned...
Ever Regretted Saying Yes When You Wanted to Say No? Discover Assertive Leadership!
You probably know the feeling of frustration coursing through your veins right after you've said yes (or why not?) to a request that you know you should have declined. It's a common scenario for many leaders, especially in the high-demand tech and engineering sectors. In our bustling world, leaders like you are often swept up in a relentless tide of demands and decisions. That's why I’ve just put the finishing touches on something I believe will be a beacon for those of you steering through these demanding waters: "The Assertive Edge: 8 Strategies for Effective Leadership Communication." Imagine you're James, a seasoned leader at a leading tech firm, always 'the nice guy.' His open-door policy and willingness to lend an ear made him highly approachable. However, his inability to say no had his days stretching thin, his personal projects lagging, and his stress levels spiking. He smelled the strong coffee that became his constant companion, more a crutch than a comfort, as he wrestled...
Embracing New Technologies: The Leadership Mindset for the AI Era
As leaders and managers in the tech and engineering sectors, we're constantly surrounded by innovation. Yet, even in our cutting-edge fields, it's easy to become attached to the familiar and resist the unfamiliar. To illustrate this, let me take you back to a story that vividly demonstrates the perils of clinging to the past: the rise and fall of Kodak. The Kodak Story: A Lesson in Adaptability Imagine the bustling Kodak headquarters in the mid-1980s. The air is thick with the scent of developing chemicals and the hum of innovation. Kodak was the titan of photography, synonymous with film. They had a stranglehold on the market and were the epitome of success. But something was brewing beneath the surface. A Kodak engineer, Steve Sasson, had invented the first digital camera. It was a bulky contraption by today's standards, but it was revolutionary. You could almost feel the excitement crackling in the air as he presented it to the executives. Yet, instead of embracing this new...
Understanding the Gap: When Good Intentions Meet Hard Realities in Leadership
Every leader navigates the fine line between their intentions and the perceptions of those they lead. In the bustling environment of tech and engineering, where precision meets relentless innovation, this balance is particularly delicate. I've witnessed firsthand how an unrecognized gap in self-awareness can subtly undermine even the most competent leaders. Imagine walking into the sprawling, open-plan office of a bustling tech startup. The whirr of cooling fans blends with the click-clack of keyboards—a symphony of progress. Here, we find Jacob, the CTO, a visionary with an inclination for cutting-edge technologies. His desk, littered with gadgets and papers, sits like an island in the middle of this sea of activity. Jacob's intention is clear: drive the team towards unprecedented innovations. He pushes his team hard, believing that pressure forges diamonds. However, unknown to him, his team perceives his urgency and passion as relentless pressure, which muddies their enthusiasm and...
Turning the Tide: How Above-the-Line Leaders Can Overcome Team Underperformance
In the heart of Gothenburg, amidst the buzzing workstations and the soft hum of deep thinking, I once had a profound conversation with a leader that resonated deeply with my experiences as a Leadership coach. Let’s call him Mark. Today, I share this narrative not just as a recount but as a beacon for all leaders navigating the choppy waters of team underperformance. The meeting room was austere yet charged with a palpable tension. Mark, a seasoned leader in a tech firm known for its cutting-edge innovations, looked out the vast windows onto the bustling streets below. His gaze reflected a mix of determination and doubt. The cool air was tinged with the sharp scent of espresso, mirroring the sharpness of the challenge at hand. Mark turned to me, his voice betraying a hint of frustration, "My team is full of top-tier talent, but our project outcomes are just not hitting the mark." "Project outcomes not hitting the mark," I mirrored, nodding slowly. This simple repetition allowed Mark...
Do you make these 3 mistakes in your learning approach?
In the bustling rhythm of a tech leader's day-to-day, it's easy to become entrenched in the immediacy of urgent tasks. The gentle hum of servers, the crisp scent of freshly brewed coffee—these are the familiar backdrops to our hectic work environments. Recently, during a reflective discussion punctuated by the soft clinks of coffee mugs, a leader confided in me, "I'm too busy to start a new training program." This moment, though seemingly trivial, sparked a profound realization about the essence of leadership and growth. John Maxwell once said, "The only guarantee that tomorrow is going to be better is if we improve ourselves today." This insight rings especially true in the high-stakes fields of technology and engineering. Here, continuous improvement isn't just a buzzword; it's the linchpin of enduring success and innovation. Why Prioritize Learning and Development? As leaders, we're often tempted to push learning and personal development to the sidelines, treating it as a luxury...
Do you really need trust to lead?
Florin here, your guide through the intertwined worlds of technology, engineering, and influential leadership. 🙂 Let's talk about the silent undercurrent of every great innovation and team dynamic: trust. One thing I am learning is that the bedrock of influence isn't power, nor is it expertise alone—it's trust, cultivated through genuine empathy. In the tech and engineering fields, where precision and logic reign, the notion of trust through empathy may seem like a soft skill, something that's nice to have but not a necessity. But pause and consider: isn't it trues that without trust, collaboration crumbles, ideas stagnate, and progress halts? If influence is the destination, trust is the launchpad. As leaders, our blueprint may be perfect, but it's the hands that build that bring it to life. Empathy is the tool we use to understand those hands and to know the pulse of our team's aspirations and challenges. When I began my leadership voyage, I viewed my team as components in a...
Subscribe to Leadership for the Now Articles
Get leadership tips, strategies and opportunities in your inbox every Friday.