Rethinking Leadership: Leading Not Just Well, But With Excellence

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

What it’s all about

The modern world of work is in a constant state of flux. Traditional concepts of leadership no longer suffice to navigate the complexities of today’s professional landscape. The standard is shifting: it is no longer enough to lead well – excellence is the new imperative. To lead with excellence means transcending conventional ideas, reaching a deeper level of understanding and action. It involves continuously questioning and adapting one’s leadership principles – a process we may term as Rethinking Leadership.

The Article as a RethinkAudio – Listen. Reflect. Analyze. Advance.

Defining “Rethinking Leadership”

Rethinking Leadership is the conscious, ongoing process of re-evaluating leadership concepts to meet the changing demands of both the present and future. It’s the practice of critically examining outdated thought patterns and strategies, reflecting on one’s role as a leader, and developing new perspectives. This isn’t merely about reacting to external changes but, more profoundly, about fostering deep self-reflection that transforms both personal management and leadership practices.

To rethink leadership requires courage: the willingness to question entrenched beliefs and open oneself to the uncertainty of the new. It demands continuous self-development, the articulation of a clear vision, and yet leaves space for adaptation. This form of leadership fuses philosophical thought with psychological insights, deep psychological understanding, and the learnings of occupational psychology. Leadership thus becomes a dynamic, organic, and – crucially – empathetic practice that encompasses both leader and team alike.

The Philosophical Dimension of “Rethinking Leadership”

Philosophy has long grappled with the fundamental questions of human action. Excellent leadership begins with asking why. Why do we lead? Why do we seek to guide others along their professional journeys? These fundamental questions are deeply rooted in a leader’s self-conception. Leading with excellence demands a clear reflection of one’s values and beliefs. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, speaks of eudaimonia, the pursuit of a fulfilled life. A leader aspiring to excellence seeks not personal success alone but strives for the well-being of all those involved.

This philosophy is mirrored in Rethinking Leadership, where the leader does not merely chase short-term success but fosters the long-term development of their team, nurtures a healthy organisational culture, and holds ethical responsibility at the forefront. The reflection of one’s values is essential, as these provide the framework for leadership behaviour and form the foundation of decision-making.

Exemplary leadership is characterised by a high degree of authenticity and integrity. These values are central to a philosophical approach that views leadership as a service to others. The leader constantly asks: are my actions aligned with my ethical principles? Am I setting a worthy example for my team? This self-reflection lays the groundwork for authentic, inclusive leadership behaviour.

Psychological and Depth-Psychological Perspectives

Psychologically, leadership is a complex interaction between individuals. Rethinking Leadership sharpens the awareness of the dynamics between leader and team. Sigmund Freud, in his depth-psychological works, highlighted how our conscious actions are often influenced by unconscious motives. A leader attuned to these mechanisms can better recognise and manage the motivations, fears, and desires of their team.

In this context, excellent leadership becomes a matter of emotional intelligence. The leader learns not only to analyse external behaviours but also the internal drivers behind them. Such leadership requires a high degree of empathy and self-awareness. A leader who does not understand their own unconscious patterns risks projecting these onto their team, leading to misinterpretations of their actions. The depth-psychological approach to Rethinking Leadership, therefore, places self-knowledge at the core of authentic and successful leadership.

Moreover, occupational psychology plays a vital role in understanding leadership. It examines the impact of leadership on the work environment, motivation, and productivity. Excellent leadership creates an environment where team members can reach their full potential. This requires the ability to recognise individual strengths and weaknesses while also addressing the collective needs of the team. A leader practising Rethinking Leadership understands that their responsibility extends beyond goal achievement to fostering an environment conducive to growth and development.

Leadership Excellence: Personal and Leadership Management

Self-management is a central aspect of excellent leadership. To lead others effectively, one must first lead oneself. This requires discipline, self-reflection, and a commitment to continuous self-improvement. Rethinking Leadership begins here: it urges the leader to continually question their own actions, reassess their goals, and develop new strategies to enhance personal effectiveness.

Self-management involves not only setting priorities but also managing stress and high-pressure situations. A leader who excels is able to remain composed in crises and make clear decisions even under duress. This demands a strong resilience, which is cultivated through self-reflection and the ongoing process of Rethinking Leadership.

Leadership management also relies heavily on rethinking. The ability to respond flexibly to change and prepare the team for new challenges is essential to excellent leadership. This requires open and transparent communication, allowing the leader to build trust and develop a shared vision. Excellent leadership is not static; it is dynamic. It adapts to circumstances without losing sight of long-term goals.

The Future of Rethinking Leadership in the Digital Age

In the digital age, leadership faces entirely new challenges. The rise of automation and artificial intelligence is radically transforming the world of work. This affects not only how work is conducted but also the demands placed on leaders. The increasing digitisation requires leaders to master digital technologies while continuing to address the social and emotional needs of their teams.

In this context, the relevance of Rethinking Leadership becomes particularly apparent. Digitisation means change, and change demands flexibility and adaptability. Leaders who cling to old models will not survive in the digitalised workplace. They must learn to continually rethink and adapt their leadership strategies to meet new demands.

Yet it must not be forgotten that the human component in leadership remains indispensable, even in a digital world. Excellent leadership is not replaced by technology; rather, it is expanded. Rethinking Leadership involves finding the balance between technological innovation and human leadership skills. It’s about using digital tools to make leadership more efficient without losing sight of the human factor.

Three Practical Tips for Excellent Leadership in Everyday Professional Life

Incorporate Daily Self-Reflection

A key element of Rethinking Leadership is continuous self-reflection. Take ten minutes each day to reflect on your leadership decisions. What choices did you make today? What worked well, and where is there room for improvement? This regular reflection helps to continuously refine your leadership skills and react swiftly to change.

Establish a Culture of Open Feedback

An excellent leader is not afraid to seek feedback. Encourage a culture of open feedback by regularly asking your team for their input. Ask specifically how your leadership decisions are perceived and where there might be suggestions for improvement. This form of rethinking opens new perspectives and strengthens trust within your team.

Mental Reframing in Stressful Situations

In crisis situations, it helps to rethink your mental attitude. Rather than focusing on the problem, direct your attention to possible solutions. This technique of mental reframing supports you in remaining capable of action even in challenging situations, allowing you to fulfil your leadership role with confidence.

Conclusion: Rethinking Leadership as the Key to Excellent Leadership

Excellence in leadership requires more than technical expertise. It demands a deep reflection on one’s leadership behaviour, combined with a flexible, open, and empathetic approach. Rethinking Leadership is the key to a leadership style that focuses not just on short-term successes but on the long-term development of individuals, teams, and organisations.

In the digital age, this type of leadership is becoming increasingly important. The ability to embrace change, integrate new technologies, and still uphold human values like empathy and authenticity will define the leader of the future. Rethinking Leadership means constantly staying in motion, questioning old thought patterns, and forging new paths. Only in this way can one lead not just well, but with excellence.