Hello from Berlin,

Otto Scharmer, a pioneer of organizational development from MIT’s School of Management, is visiting the town this week.

The topic we are dedicating our time to here is “how to lead from the future.”

I can’t wait to bring some of what I have learned back to you.

Enjoy this week’s edition,

Nikolas

Context

The biggest mistake I have seen leaders make is continuing to measure their effectiveness based on their “individual” contributions to the company.

Think about it:

Only you, as the company's leader, can credibly work ”on” the organization.

Framework: “On” vs “In”

Application

Here is why you shouldn’t work “in” the company most of the time:

1. You won’t spend enough time working on strategy and vision.

• The more successful your company will be, the more clear leadership is needed.

• Instead of "being busy," make sure you do the work only you can do.

2. You will spend your time working on things you don’t enjoy doing:

• The biggest trap is the zone of excellence: “work that you are good at but actually don’t enjoy doing.”

• Because you are good at it, everyone will want you to do it. Don’t fall for that trap.  

• If a task drains your energy, you should likely delegate it. Find someone who enjoys the task and delegate it.

• Use your time to figure out your unique “Zone of Genius.”

3. You will become the bottleneck instead of an enabler.

• By providing answers, you kill ownership, innovation, and the collective intelligence of your team.

• Your new mantra should be fostering "collective intelligence." Let go of your idea of being the captain and start thinking of yourself as the shipbuilder.

• Ask yourself: What must I do to build a leadership team that creates the most meaningful work of their life?


Summary

In a nutshell, here is why you should be working “on” and not “in” the company:

a) You won’t have enough time to work on strategy, culture and vision.

b) You will work on things you don’t enjoy doing.

c) You will become the bottleneck instead of an enabler.

How did you spend your time last month?

Did you attend to and refine the vision and strategy of your company?

Reflect: What truly hinders you from working "on" the company?

I’ll see you next week,

Nikolas Konstantin

P.S. Want more…

The Yearly Reflection Space for Leaders: The Wise Leadership Retreat

I've opened applications for my 2024 "Wise Leadership Retreat.“ It will take place 06.- 11. August this year.

What you can expect:

1. A full-day workshop on wise leadership will help you gain clarity on your values and goals.

2. Three days of silent meditation training to widen your awareness and mindfulness.

3. Nourishing meals, sauna, and beautiful surrounding lake and nature.

4. Connecting with like-minded leaders who want to invite the future in.

5. Closing workshop to harvest new skills and insights for lasting growth.

Training the Theory and Art of Meditation: A Beautiful Mind Course

Can’t join the silent meditation retreat this year?

If you want to train your mind and understand the theory from science and meditation traditions, this one is for you.

The Online Course includes:

• The Guide to the 3 Styles of Meditation E-Book,

• 4 hours of theory,

• 10 + Meditations

• & Retreat Mode (create your own silent retreat with my retreat recordings)

The Best of Management and Leadership: Founder Playbooks

As an executive coach, I scan the best of leadership literature and mindfulness so my clients can focus on what matters most—building a thriving organization.

My client’s Founder Playbooks library features the best management and leadership theories. You can have exclusive access here.

A la Carte Executive Training: Executive Coaching

Each year, I support a few leaders in transforming into more resonant versions of themselves so they can grow with purpose and positively impact the world. Want to be coached by me? Say hello.

Thanks for reading.
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I will get back to you.

See you next week,
Nikolas