Name: Milos Rakic

Title: CEO

Organisation: Int. Behavior Analysis, Investigative Interviewing & Deception Detection Milos Rakic

Milos Rakic - A Behaviour Analyst trained in England and a specialist in Investigative Interviewing and Deception Detection. He imparts scientifically backed knowledge in the areas of emotions, body language, credibility verification, and emotional intelligence. His goal: is to deepen understanding of human nature and gain valuable insights through precise analysis. Whether in HR, sales, or legal professions – benefit professionally and personally from his expertise. Milos is also training to become a Psychological Consultant. #clockthemlikemilos

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Firstly, I must begin by expanding the question to cover two areas.

1. As a worker, one often lacks understanding of certain management decisions, so it is crucial to communicate these from the upper hierarchy down. How frustrated I was as a worker, unable to comprehend these decisions. At that time, as a young man, I was not aware of the many departments involved and that my work was not the only important aspect. I also believe it is essential to communicate this because, as a production employee, I am not aware of the potential impacts on the controlling side.

2. As a leader, I was unaware of the many developments one must go through. Understanding areas such as emotional intelligence, expertise, entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, and recognizing and actively managing group dynamics - as well as communication in meetings. Whether they are effectively structured or if an email would suffice.

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

Milos Rakic is a Behavioural Analyst specializing in Consulting and Coaching. He works for companies, private individuals, and in the field of lie detection for police, prosecutors, and courts (specifically in Germany and England).

His career path is somewhat unconventional: from a construction technician to a waiter and technical translator, then a night-time restaurateur and also he has been active in the gambling sector. His journey took him from being a victim of bullying and bossing to a Specialist in Behavioral Analysis.

For over three years, he has passionately and empathetically met his clients' needs in the field of human understanding. In addition, he developed his own methodology, enabling him to provide his clients with immediate, demonstrable successes in human understanding.

He offers a training of a special class, guided by the motto of Daniela Katzenberger: "Be smart, play dumb." - This approach helps his course participants achieve the best results in enhancing their inherent people-reading skills.

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

I am a structured and conscientious person, which is why I have certain recurring blocks in my week, and in between, I manage my time very agilely.

After all, I also need to be agile in my trainings, or during a negotiation. For example, I always drink a cup of jasmine tea in the morning, looking out the window and watching the people walk past my apartment.

To train my motor skills and my brain, I like to do the following: I have been practicing calligraphy for years. While doing it, I drift into a trance-like state. This helps me to ground myself and find my center. Meanwhile, I train my brain with online games like Scrabble, Memory, or Stadt, Land, Fluss (City, Country, River).

As mundane as these activities may sound, they are essential for my profession. To be 100% attentive for several hours during my trainings or possibly during a negotiation, and to consciously maintain group dynamics and the learning process, it is advantageous to have a well-trained mind. And that is something I continually strive to train.

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

Through my work, I am continually reminded that people often struggle with effective communication. What I mean is this: for example, straightforward and factual statements are taken and then manipulatively used. In this context, I find myself repeatedly emphasizing in my training the importance of listening properly to people, rather than just hearing what suits them or what doesn't. Regrettably, I observe a trend moving towards the latter, manipulative direction.

I also need to make it increasingly clear to recruiters that they are not remaining objective in their process. Instead, they are hiring based on interpretations, leading to the hiring of individuals who then need to be replaced. The consequence is increased recruiting costs and additional work that needs to be distributed among the team.

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?

Unfortunately, I cannot offer a blanket recommendation, as I work in various fields and follow experts in these areas, reading their books and articles.

However, one book that has truly changed my life is 'Unmasking the Face: A Guide to Recognizing Emotions from Facial Expressions' by Paul Ekman, PhD. This work simplifies the understanding of emotions through facial expressions.

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

I would like to share the following advice with businesses: Generally speaking, I always say, 'Young leaders are what the country needs.' Companies should consider who they can promote internally. This will help keep these individuals in their own departments and drive the company forward. Certainly, there's a risk involved, but it's rewarding to be able to say: 'I trained that person.' Yes, I offer mentoring programs in this area, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

On the other hand, I want to advise leaders: Stay grounded. Do not pay attention to the 'new' trend of displaying narcissistic behavior, as it won't help you in your personal or professional life. Make sure to take deliberate breaks and set aside time for reflection. It's clear that those who spread toxic behavior shouldn't be surprised when they receive the same treatment in return #CarmaIsABitch. As I always like to say, to improve your understanding of people, follow this principle: Observe. Recognize. Reflect. Decide. (Milos Rakic)

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

I don't want to dig up old stories here, but I would like to answer the question with a piece of advice and a brief statement. From my professional career, which I was fortunate to experience in many different areas, I want to convey the following to you:

Advice: No matter what position you may hold in the future, take this principle as a life mantra: Observe. Recognize. Reflect. Decide. (Milos Rakic)

A brief statement: Learn quickly to communicate your limits, insist on their observance, and always remain vigilant - the manipulative colleague will then have a hard time with you.

In this spirit, here's to a great 2024, Yours Milos =)