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Tag: Self-Leadership

Teaser: Self-Leadership with Dr. Bensmann

Written by Burkhard Bensmann on .

Feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities as a leader or business owner? Maybe success isn’t bringing the fulfillment you hoped for. 

In my new podcast, Self-Leadership with Dr. Bensmann, we’ll explore how mastering self-leadership can help you thrive, not just in business, but in life. I’m Burkhard Bensmann.  As a consultant, executive coach, and professor, I focus on empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of leadership and personal growth.

My mission is to empower leaders like you to not just survive, but thrive in an ever-changing world. I support you in recognizing your potential, developing it, and becoming truly effective. By mastering self-leadership, you won’t just perform better at work—you’ll feel more in control of your life, make clearer decisions, and experience more peace of mind.

After 200 episodes of my German podcast, it’s high time to bring you this English version—so here it is!

From reducing stress to clarifying your mission, this show will equip you with the tools to lead yourself—and others—more effectively.

In future episodes, we’ll explore a wide range of topics, including tools to manage overwhelm, aligning personal and professional goals, and in-depth conversations with experts on resilience and psychological safety. You’ll also hear practical strategies for setting a clear mission and vision, staying focused in a fast-paced world, and refining your long-term goals.

Tune in and start optimizing your leadership today! 

Make sure you don’t miss the first episode! Subscribe to Self-Leadership with Dr. Bensmann now and get ready for practical insights on mastering your leadership, reducing stress, and aligning your goals with your values. 

Music Into & Outro by Joakim Karud http://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud

Strengthening Mental Well-Being Through Self-Leadership

Written by Burkhard Bensmann on . Posted in News.

Our health is a valuable asset—especially our mental health. Inspired by “World Mental Health Day” this month, I’d like to encourage you to take a closer look at your own mental well-being with this update.

In effective self-leadership, it is wise to take full responsibility for our health and care for ourselves accordingly. This includes finding ways to strengthen our resilience, for example.

Key Concepts for Mental Well-Being

Resilience:
The ability to endure challenging life situations without lasting harm. Resilience means not only getting back up but also emerging from crises stronger, having developed new skills or attitudes.

Mental Toughness:
Similar to a fitness program, it helps you prepare for extreme situations. Mental toughness enables us to remain calm and act effectively when things get tough.

Mindfulness:
An essential component of self-leadership and well-being. Through mindfulness, people can better manage their thoughts and emotions, staying focused on the here and now.

Serenity:
A state of inner peace achieved through conscious relaxation techniques and a positive mindset. It’s about reducing stress and focusing on what truly matters.

Practical Applications

In my lectures, coaching sessions, and podcasts, I offer concrete tips and techniques to help develop these skills and emerge stronger from challenging times.

Further Reading & Support

For further reading, I recommend my book Self-Leadership: The Key To Being Productive, filled with practical tips for enhancing personal effectiveness. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

One important note: if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek professional therapeutic support.

Warm regards,
Dr. Burkhard Bensmann

Numbers, Data, and Facts: A Source of Perspective

Written by Burkhard Bensmann on . Posted in News.

Are you, like me, a fan of numbers, data, and facts? I often find myself diving into studies, books, and podcast episodes that broaden my perspective and provide fresh insights.

In my work, current numbers, data, and facts play a significant role. Properly interpreting data requires a blend of methodical approaches and critical thinking. Several effective methods support this process:

  • Data visualization
  • Qualitative and quantitative analyses
  • Data literacy
  • Continuous reflection and adjustment

Perception, Self-Leadership, and Communication

The way people perceive the world is heavily influenced by their self-leadership and communication. I believe it’s essential for entrepreneurial individuals and leaders to reflect on and shape their own perceptions and thinking patterns.

Our view of the world is shaped by our experiences, values, and beliefs, yet these are not solid facts.

In my consulting and workshops, I encourage participants to:

  • Broaden their perspectives
  • Remain open to new ideas and approaches

This fosters personal growth and leads to better collaboration and innovation within organizations.

Indicators of a Fulfilling Life

In the realm of self-leadership and personal effectiveness, measurable indicators can guide us. Alongside (business) success, I believe these indicators also—or perhaps especially—include the criteria for a fulfilling, “good” life.

  • What should guide us?
  • What are the indicators of a good, fulfilling life?

In my current book, Self-Leadership: The Key To Being Productive, I dedicate a whole chapter to precisely these indicators of a good life. Among other things, I examine the approaches of Positive Psychology (Wellbeing) and the OECD’s Better Life Index.

Currently, my six indicators or conditions for “wellbeing” are:

  1. Creativity / Expression
  2. Using and Developing My Talents
  3. “Me Time”
  4. Making a Contribution
  5. Lightness
  6. Constructive Relationships

I regularly ask myself what my own conditions for contentment are. And, as you might expect, I check many numbers, data, and facts to answer this.

Warm regards,
Dr. Burkhard Bensmann

Finding Focus: Summer Reflections for Leaders

Written by Burkhard Bensmann on . Posted in News.

It’s summer, vacation season—a time often associated with relaxation and slowing down. But for many leaders, being “on” is constant, even during holidays. This busyness, however, doesn’t always equate to happiness.

If this resonates with you, here are some tips on how to pause and truly recharge.

Rituals for Recharging

To break free from the state of constant activity, rituals are essential. They act as intentional pauses, fostering mindfulness and focus.

  1. Meditation, prayer, or similar forms of being with oneself and focusing:
    Practiced daily, these rituals enhance our ability to be fully present in whatever we do. In other words, they help us stay focused.
  2. Journaling:
    Taking time to pause, organize thoughts, and gain some distance from daily life.
  3. Gratitude Rituals:
    In conversations with successful entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that they reflect on the day each evening, consciously recalling events they are grateful for. A gratitude journal is also helpful for this.
  4. Changing perception through travel:
    “Travel is a draught from the fountain of life.” ~ Christian Friedrich Hebbel. For me, traveling always feels like a mental switch. New impressions create new connections, both internally and externally. Physical movement often brings about mental movement, too.

Reflecting on Your Work and Life

The breathlessness of our turbulent times is often highlighted in pop culture—and it also characterizes how many organizations operate.

Still, perhaps you can use the summer months, aside from your vacation, for a relaxed reflection on your current work situation.

Consider these questions for contemplation:

  • What is truly important in my life right now?
  • What do I want to spend more time on in the future?
  • What am I ready to say STOP to?

Greg McKeown, bestselling author, offers this as a guiding decision-making principle:
“If it’s not a clear YES, it’s a clear NO.”

Warm regards,
Dr. Burkhard Bensmann