Author: IFABS

Inhaber und Leiter des Instituts für betriebswirtschaftliche Analysen, Beratung und Strategie-Entwicklung (IFABS)

Rethinkography: Overcoming the Power of Inner and Outer Boundaries

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

What It’s About

The image of a red barrier set against a cool, metallic background presents a multifaceted metaphor for the theme of “inner and outer boundaries.” This barrier symbolises both the visible and invisible obstacles that confront us in our personal and professional lives. The colour red serves a dual purpose: as a warning signal, alerting us to potential dangers or limitations, and as a symbol of the energy and drive needed to surmount such barriers. The metallic backdrop, with its coldness and rigidity, accentuates the unyielding nature of many obstacles encountered in life and in the workplace.

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Rethinking Leadership: The Dark Triad – Insights and Self-Assessment

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

The Core Issue

In modern leadership culture, we encounter phenomena that deeply affect the dynamics of human nature and significantly influence the quality of leadership. One such phenomenon is the so-called “Dark Triad,” comprising three interconnected yet destructive personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These traits can appear in varying degrees and combinations among leaders, profoundly impacting leadership culture, productivity, and the well-being of a team.

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

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Rethinkography: Embracing the Artifice in Self-Perception and Life Design

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

What It’s About

In a world that venerates authenticity and extols the natural as an ideal, the artificial flower resting on the rough, undefined marble slab evokes a quiet sense of contradiction. It embodies something innately beautiful, yet its synthetic nature introduces a sense of detachment and, paradoxically, permanence. This crafted bloom serves as a subtle reminder of certain aspects of life that, in our relentless pursuit of self-optimization, we often overlook – the moments when, like this flower, we find ourselves lying on the cold, unyielding ground of daily existence, yet still endeavouring to maintain our inner beauty and strength.

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Masks, Ghosts, and Team Spirit: What Halloween Can Teach Us About Authentic Leadership

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

Rethinking Leadership: How Halloween Inspires Authentic Employee Engagement

Halloween, that singular season when costumes and masks take centre stage, offers unexpected insights into the world of leadership. In professional settings, we too wear “masks” to conceal insecurities or vulnerabilities. Through the lens of Rethinking – a paradigm shift towards authenticity, trust, and enduring development – Halloween becomes a powerful metaphor, prompting us to reconsider traditional leadership patterns and embrace more sustainable practices.

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Rethinking: Leadership Principles as a Foundation for Sustainable Success

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

What it’s all about

In an ever-evolving world, principles transcend mere rules or rigid directives; they serve as the steadfast foundation upon which every decision, action, and interaction of a leader rests. Within the context of Rethinking, principles unlock a new dimension: they demand not only a consciousness of one’s own actions but also a continuous willingness to reflect, adapt, and grow. For leaders, this means understanding principles as dynamic guides – deeply rooted in personal identity yet open to change and innovation.

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

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Rethinkography: The Delicate Balance between Structure and Self-Realisation

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

What It’s About

The uploaded image, capturing the lid of a plastic beverage cup pierced by a straw, unfolds as a richly layered metaphor within the realm of self-management. Here, the lid symbolises the system or framework in which we operate – whether societal norms, professional structures, or personal routines. The straw, threading through this lid, serves as a conduit or channel through which energy, information, and resources flow. The straw’s directional alignment underscores the focus required in our actions and decisions to prevent the erosion of our unique identity within a world that so often feels preordained.

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Leadership: Will AI Take Over My Job?

A Rethinking Impulse by Klaus-Dieter Thill

The Issue at Hand

In recent years, the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undeniably demonstrated its potential to fundamentally transform the business world. Particularly in the realm of process automation, leaders across the globe have cautiously begun to recognise and harness the benefits of AI. From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing data processing efficiency, the introduction of AI-based systems has already brought tangible advantages to many organisations.
Yet, despite these technological advancements, a critical issue remains largely unaddressed: the potential replacement of leaders themselves by AI. Few take the time to reflect on the fact that AI could one day replace them too. This blind spot in understanding AI stems not only from a lack of engagement with the technology but also from deeper structural and psychological reasons that prevent leaders from fully confronting the possibility of their own dispensability.

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

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