Simone, the dynamic COO and CFO of Deutsche Telekom Private Costumer Sales, , brings a diverse background in production, finance, and investment banking. As a consultant at the startup "Mom Hunting" and a mother of two, she brings a multifaceted perspective to her leaderhip roles. Discover how empowering leadership influences a company and learn about the leadership qualities that are important to her and how Simone prioritizes them in her approach to leadership.
How does the leadership style impact organizational success and culture?
Simone: In my opinion, leadership plays a crucial role and influences everything: from employee engagement to strategic direction and innovation.
Effective leadership fosters a positive organizational culture by establishing a clear vision, setting values that promote ethical behavior, and creating an environment that encourages teamwork and respect. Leadership also significantly impacts organizational success, which can be measured in terms of productivity, profitability, and innovation. As a leader, I set strategic directions, motivate my employees, and drive change, which are essential for organizational growth and adaptation in a competitive market.
What are the characteristics of an empowering leadership style?
Simone: Empowerment is about sharing my authority with team members, supporting their development
and fostering an environment of autonomy and independence. I've found that this approach motivates employees to drive organizational success through increased innovation and performance. As a result, they are more satisfied with their work.
It's about encouraging employees to take responsibility, make decisions, and continue to grow. This is what I strive for in my professional life. I encourage my team daily to propose new ideas, improve their skills through training, and make decisions based on data and expertise.
What leadership qualities do you prioritize?
Simone:
I prioritize empathy, effective communication, and authenticity. Additionally, I focus on diversity, equality, and inclusion, as well as vision and strategic thinking. These priorities enable me to inspire my teams, foster innovation, and build a resilient and inclusive workplace culture. These qualities are interdependent and collectively contribute to my ability to lead successfully and effectively. Developing these qualities helps me build robust teams, promote a positive organizational culture, and achieve strategic objectives.
For Simone, empathy isn't just a trait—it's the cornerstone of her leadership philosophy. In her video, she delves into why empathy is a key attribute of successful leadership and how it has personally enhanced her effectiveness as a leader.