Leadership – There is no QR code for appreciation

26. February 2025 – Mandy Weinand

There are values and qualities that cannot be bought or downloaded as a QR code. One of them is appreciation. What do respect, empathy, trust, and appreciation mean for a modern leadership style?

Anna entered the conference room where her team was already waiting. Today was an important meeting, but before diving into numbers and strategies, she paused for a moment. She looked around, met her employees’ eyes, and started with a simple question: “How are you today?” A small detail that was natural to her – but for her team, a sign of genuine appreciation.

In a world where efficiency and productivity often take precedence, one thing is quickly forgotten: the human connection. Modern leadership is not just about delegating tasks and setting goals, but also about seeing the person behind the role.

Appreciation comes in many forms:

A sincere compliment, listening without distraction, or recognizing individual strengths. Leaders who embody respect and empathy not only create a pleasant work environment but also foster motivation and loyalty.

There is no QR code that can automatically implement appreciation. It requires genuine interest, conscious decisions, and continuous attention. Those who want to lead must first understand – and those who understand will earn trust.

However, appreciation alone is not enough. Attention and relationship intelligence are essential skills that a leader can learn. A modern leadership style not only requires the willingness to demand development from employees but also to lead by example. Continuous learning and personal growth are the key to becoming not just a good, but an inspiring leader.

Anna closed the meeting with the words: “You are the reason we are successful.” And at that moment, everyone in the room felt that these words were not just empty phrases but genuine recognition.

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