Name: Michal Wojcicki

Title: Senior Sales Manager

Organisation: Galenicare Management AG

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Michal's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Based on my experience the most demanding aspect of being a leader are the ongoing processes of self-reflection and self-development. Leaders should be the lighthouse for others but they should never forget to strengthen their own light.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

To be honest, there was no clear path or simple answer. I assume that not everyone can become a true leader. You have to prove yourself with empathy or pragmatism and I always have had these particular capabilities. It was very natural for me and what I had to do was to develop and re-adjust them with time.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Considering the fact, that in my position there are no similar days I try to plan in advice so many aspects as I can predict. I attempt to create a meticulous schedule for at least one week, set my daily and weekly goals and update my to-do list continuously. The most important aspect is to set priorities and be consistent!

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

What really should count for you as a leader are people, not the position, not the power or money. Win peoples' hearts, minds and acknowledgement. The rest will come...

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

I do not have one special book regarding leadership. There are many recommendable positions on the market. I focus more on observing how leaders act in my own environment.

But if I had to pick one particular author or person it would be Sir Richard Branson.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Do not be afraid to say what you think. Do not allow others to control your thoughts or tongue! Even if this is your boss! Everyone can make mistakes and by making them we are able to learn how to avoid them in the future. Be brave and leave your comfort zone.

Try to make the difference and then you will become the leader. It has nothing to do with arrogance, this is confidence!

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I have a particularly memorable story about leading a team through a challenging project. We were working against a tight deadline, and the task was complex, which led to tension among the team members. As we approached the deadline, it became clear that we were behind schedule, and we faced significant roadblocks.

Rather than panicking or attributing blame, I called for an impromptu team meeting. During the meeting, I encouraged everyone to share their ideas and thoughts without fear of judgment. We discussed possible solutions and divided tasks according to individual strengths.

The team's resilience and unity during this time was remarkable. People who had never worked together before offered support and assistance without hesitation. As a leader, it was heartening to witness such a display of teamwork and camaraderie.

Ultimately, we overcame the obstacles and delivered the project successfully, meeting the deadline. This experience reinforced the importance of creating a supportive and open work environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.