My Crazy Journey to Becoming a Filialleiter Head Coach in Salzburg: Lessons Learned (and Mistakes Made!)
So, you want to be a Filialleiter Head Coach in Salzburg? That's awesome! It’s a challenging but rewarding gig, let me tell you. I've been there, done that, and got the slightly-too-tight-fitting-suit-after-a-big-promotion t-shirt to prove it. This isn't some stuffy corporate blog post; this is the real deal, warts and all.
The Early Days: More Enthusiasm Than Skill
My first job in Salzburg was...well, let's just say it wasn't exactly glamorous. I was basically a glorified intern, schlepping boxes and making coffee (terrible coffee, I might add). But I was hungry. I wanted to climb that corporate ladder faster than a mountain goat on Red Bull. I devoured every leadership book I could find, taking copious notes and underlining key phrases in a slightly obsessive manner. I even tried to implement some of the "out-of-the-box" strategies I read about, which, looking back, were more "out-of-my-mind" than anything else. Remember that time I tried to introduce a team-building exercise involving a goat and a three-legged race? Yeah, don't do that.
One major mistake I made early on was focusing too much on my skills and not enough on understanding the specific needs of the team and the company. I thought my brilliance would be self-evident. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. People don't care how many leadership books you've read; they care about results. That's a harsh lesson, but a crucial one.
The Turning Point: Listening (and Actually Hearing)
The big shift came when I started actively listening to my team. Really listening. Not just hearing their words, but understanding their concerns, frustrations, and ideas. It sounds simple, right? It's not. It requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to sometimes swallow your pride. This involves:
- Active listening techniques: Pay attention, ask clarifying questions, and summarize what you hear to ensure understanding.
- Regular feedback sessions: Create a safe space for open communication and honest feedback, both ways.
- Empathy: Try to understand their perspectives, even if you don't agree with them.
By focusing on my team's needs and building strong relationships, I started to see real improvements in productivity and team morale. This also helped me improve my performance management strategies, leading to better overall team performance. It wasn't magic; it was consistent effort and a genuine desire to help my team succeed.
Landing the Head Coach Role: It's Not Just About Skills
Finally, getting the Filialleiter Head Coach position wasn't just about my technical skills (although those are important!). It was about demonstrating my leadership abilities, my commitment to the company, and my ability to build and motivate a high-performing team. I learned the hard way that soft skills are just as important, if not more so, than hard skills in leadership roles.
The key takeaways? Don't be afraid to make mistakes (everyone does!), listen to your team, focus on building strong relationships, and remember that leadership is a journey, not a destination. Good luck with your own journey towards becoming a Filialleiter Head Coach in Salzburg! You got this!