How to Stay Connected: Leadership in Challenging Times
This blog is an excerpt from our new podcast! You can find the entire podcast episode here.
Staying connected: Leadership in challenging times
In our new video podcast format, “Voices of Leadership – an MDI Spotlight Series,” we regularly bring leadership experts in front of the camera to talk to them about their passions in leadership development.
Our first guest was Peter Grabuschnig – we spoke with him about the challenges in the current work climate, received his tips for new leaders, and discussed a topic close to his heart. Read this blog post to learn more about our first podcast episode!
What really matters to Peter
Right at the beginning, Peter introduces us to the topic close to his heart – connectedness in challenging times.
“I’ve noticed that we are more connected than ever before, but people feel little real connection.”
He explains that, especially with the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and new home office regulations, it has become more difficult to connect with one another, both among employees and between leaders and employees. At the same time, we are increasingly losing touch with ourselves and our values.
Peter emphasizes that it is an important challenge to restore this sense and be passionate about something again. He also says that he likes to use personality models in his training sessions. These can help participants to meet each other halfway and create a pleasant working environment despite personality differences.
Peter’s best feedback
When it comes to training, we ask Peter what feedback he remembers most. He tells us about participants who were skeptical at first but ended up giving him a high five with total enthusiasm.
He also says that participants often tell him that they’re using the tools they learned and that it’s working.
“I don’t think there’s anything better than that.”
What should leaders change?
Remove judgment and listen consciously. Peter asserts that (negative) judgment, especially in conversations with employees, only causes lasting harm and demotivates employees.
At the same time, he says it is essential for leaders to listen consciously to their employees and thereby build a genuine relationship. The main thing here is to give the other person your full attention and show genuine interest.
“Genuine connection doesn’t take long. A few short sentences are enough.”
He also emphasizes that different people in a team are important assets and that sufficient communication is the most important tool here.
What will challenge us in the coming years?
For Peter, one thing is clear: we need human contact to actively combat increasing loneliness.
“Humans are social beings. We are community creatures; we need other people. Oxytocin is released when we hug someone, not when we have a nice MS Teams meeting with someone.”
Working from home means that many interactions with colleagues are lost. We are often more productive at home, but at what cost? Peter sees this as the biggest challenge – how can we balance productivity and connectedness in a hybrid, rapidly changing world?
Peter as a time traveler
Finally, we asked Peter what advice he would give his younger self if he could travel back in time. His answer: He doesn’t have to know everything. As a young trainer, he often felt that he had to be able to do everything and design the perfect training program. Now he knows:
“Being present is much more important than perfection.”
Authenticity also plays a major role: “If I am authentic, then hopefully my participants can be too!”
Conclusion
Our conversation with Peter showed us how important genuine connection is in today’s work environment. Leadership does not mean always knowing everything, but rather being present, listening, and consciously shaping relationships. Especially in times of remote work and hybrid structures, creating closeness and trust remains a central task.
Peter reminds us that leadership does not primarily work through processes or tools, but through people. Authenticity and genuine interest are often the key to strengthening teams in the long term.
Want to listen to the whole podcast? Here you can access the YouTube video! Follow us to make sure you don’t miss any more conversations with leadership experts.
Jana Wölfl
Marketing Assistant
Jana Wölfl is a marketing assistant at MDI and works on our blog. She has already been responsible for several areas of marketing, such as designing our new website and administering our personalist.at portal.
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