Sparring
At eye level
Who do you talk to in order to get a neutral view, an honest assessment and a new perspective without bias?
These may be questions like the following.
Questions or challenges for which you would like a neutral perspective - at eye level.
(Examples)
Challenges | Business
I have learned that for many important decisions there must be a suitable “window of opportunity”.
Do you recognize your “windows of opportunity”?
I felt it was brave to jump off the "career ladder" - with unforeseeable consequences.
What does “career” mean to you?
Before crucial meetings, I put myself in the perspective of the most relevant participants to understand their motives and goals.
How do you prepare for such appointments?
Strategy development requires many different perspectives.
What resources do you have for such a process?
I had the “task” of “reducing” a significant portion of my employees several times.
How do you deal with such challenges?
Over the years I developed a natural aversion to the “subjunctive”.
How do you feel about “If I had, I would be...”?
Sometimes I wish there was a middle path besides “left” or “right”.
(How) do you decide at such crossroads?
I was able to enjoy some “garden time” more often.
But what happens if your “garden time” never ends?
After decades, I changed industries.
Do you also know how it feels to jump into cold water?
I presented challenges to my family when I suddenly became independent.
Do you know the feeling of not having any time left?
Some events have changed my life forever. But never my positive outlook on the future.
How do you manage life-changing experiences?
I never saw leading people as a "role".
Do you feel the power of your leadership?
How do we find our way?
(Beispiele)
What do I orient myself by?
I am not a theorist.
But over time I have developed some simple tools to respond to challenges. The "Ben model" and the "action funnel" are examples, which I have also documented.
The BEN model
I have developed this model over time so that I can quickly transform my "reality" into my "normality" when faced with different challenges. This model has proven itself in both positive and challenging situations.
The Action Funnel
When are you ready to become active and act? Regardless of whether it concerns your own actions or those of an organization - understanding certain mechanisms is essential to achieve successful activation.
Can I be that sparring partner?
...for professional & private challenges!
I look back on a fulfilling and educational career as well as extraordinary events in my private life. Experiences as a manager in industry, experiences abroad - China, the USA and the UAE, as the founder of numerous companies, also in the non-profit sector and as the father of a very special child, Ben , have shaped and enriched my life.
I felt like I was on top of the world when I dared to jump into the ice-cold water. I went from a world that was familiar to me to one that was completely unknown. I left behind a lot of things that defined me as a person for decades.
I learned about behaviors and strategies, how we humans act or react in certain situations, or do nothing at all. Certain patterns are very similar, regardless of whether you are dealing with a board member, a Chinese employee or a special child. Often all it takes is a neutral look to untie knots and make barriers disappear.
We are driven by making the best decision for ourselves or our area of responsibility. We are committed to developing ourselves and growing – including through our tasks.
In some situations, you are alone with a decision - usually depending on the situation. That doesn't have to be the case!
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My Groth Path
When it comes to many challenges - both private and professional - I can not only contribute my perspective, but also offer possible solutions because I have already experienced these situations and learned from them.
When does it click?
Talk. Discuss. Listen. Bring in other perspectives. Add value. Don't waste time.
Check the chemistry and go for it - or not. We'll know whether we "click" after the first conversation.
Classify professional challenges up to top management.
Reflect based on your own experiences.
Developing new perspectives together.
Encourage people to develop their own normality.
Have conversations at eye level.
An honest "no" if I can't offer help.
GO
NO GO
Time wasting.
Standard solutions.
Learned theories.
Subjunctives.
The prospect of "years of expensive hours to find a solution".
Lack of transparency.
Psychological or medical help.