pexels-khwanchai-12885859 Dear Reader! I last wrote a newsletter in December last year. Since then, a lot has changed—outwardly, I have moved to a quiet area outside Hamburg, surrounded by a leafy forest that I love. But above all, inwardly, I feel how I have changed when I meet people from the past. Do you experience that, too? Last year, I felt like I had nothing new to say, and my writing seemed uninspired, so I took a long, relaxing break. In any case, I hope you are well

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels Great leaders and professionals are emotionally available—they have the courage and capacity to feel their and others’ emotions. Emotional availability goes beyond empathy, which is understanding others’ feelings. It involves being aware of all emotions without being afraid of them. Being present is essential, but it’s not enough. Without emotional availability, you miss key emotional information, leading to misunderstandings and ineffec

Courtesy Paul Ekman Group As I encountered yet another case the other day, I reflected on the root cause of contempt. We need a practical solution for this behavior. We often idealize people who are intellectually bright, articulate, and ambitious. However, this admiration can lead to feelings of superiority, especially if these individuals are emotionally immature. Over time, this can foster intellectual pride and contempt. So, what is contempt? It’s visible in the slight cu

Like crows, we’re drawn to shiny new things—innovations and trends that captivate us. However, human behavior is timeless, and many so-called “new” leadership ideas are simply helpful reminders, not innovations. Thankfully, if we stay grounded, we can avoid the endless cycle of trends and focus on what truly works. The essential elements of leadership are timeless. I’ve observed successful leaders—those who are healthy, happy, and respected by others—and identified 11 key hab

A client once told me leadership is an ongoing conversation, and I realized how true that is. Everyday conversation plays a key role in leadership: it helps exchange ideas, fosters understanding, and supports self-reflection. While it may seem mundane, much of life’s beauty lies in the ordinary, like taking time for hobbies, rest, or sleep. However, conversations can be frustrating when people aren't truly listening or building on what's being said. Too often, I’ve experience

Some time ago, I listed the people who most influenced me and what they had in common. One word came to mind: they were great. Being great is not tied to status, position, role, gender, or other observable characteristics. It is a unique quality in a person. Great people hold the world together: countries, communities, organizations, families, lives. You can find them at any level, everywhere. The bus driver waits for the running passenger, the assistant picks up behind the

Discover how anger management can lead to personal growth in our exclusive interview with management consultant, executive coach, and author Dr. Zarmina Penner. Dr. Penner reveals her path and offers unique insights into the "STOP! -1-2-3 model" to positively use and constructively channel anger in everyday life. 1. personal change through anger management Editor: Dr. Penner, could you share how your journey led you to the topic of anger management? Were there any key moments