BUSINESS

People and leaders in Industry 4.0 – part I Whenever we consider somebody to be a great leader, we are expressing admiration, respect and recognition. At first, we cannot say exactly what we think about that particular person. We just know -- feel -- that special something. What are these leaders like? The faster the tempo of introducing new technologies and digitization goes, the greater the requirements put on people are. A new business environment is being developed. Limitations and borders are fading to create space for a world interconnected in the broadest possible sense. That is reflected in working with people: they need room to express themselves, and want to find sense in what they do. Modern times are favourable to leaders who find opportunities in changes in the market, and are skilled at developing the potential found around them. In the present world, leaders desire to win and follow their bold dreams. Yet the way to achieve these victories is changing: they collaborate with teams of people whose potential they develop, whose creativity they support, whose minds they open, and whose understanding of relations they assist. Leaders of the present times use their intuition to make decisions in the transformation processes. Technologies help put businesses on the same (or very similar) level. What makes a difference among individual companies is the

people. Different people with their dreams, their drive to achieve victories, and to live their meaningful lives. That is the challenge. Each leader must find the way to work with their people and assist them on the road to success.

Average leaders are viewed as business executives; the best leaders are viewed as great human beings.” Mike Myatt. There are many companies in the Moravian-Silesian Region, too, who carefully think about their people. I asked Mr Petr Mohelník, Ferrit s.r.o. CEO what his perception of leadership is. “I see a true leader in a person who is capable of leading a team even without being officially in charge. True leaders manage their people by being a good example, by giving inspiration, and by making the people enthusiastic in a common and meaningful goal. This helps to motivate the team to an excellent performance and positive results.” Which Czech leaders inspire you and why? My great inspiration is the manager, coach and mentor Jan Mühlfeit. His ideas on positive leadership and his motto “Success

is not the way to happiness; happiness is the way to success” helped me move a great deal ahead. Which leadership skills would you list as your top three and why? The capability of listening to people and of inspiring; to approach everyone individually; and to apply proper leadership style. An extremely important skill is to help people see sense in their work. I have quite often met applicants at job interviews who were quite indifferent to attractive salaries, yet keen when informed about our company’s vision and interesting projects. What are the main tasks of leaders nowadays? What are the best ways to lead people? Seeking the answer to the question how to keep the most efficient people. These tasks will be easiest for those managers with the best leadership skill set. Those who actually show people sense in what they do, and focus on their potential, invest their time and attention in them.

Text a foto: Radka Šušková

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