Commonsense Leadership Strategies from an Uncommon Leader
By John Gronski
Christian Kasbaurer is the Director of Global Production for Hatz, a German-based manufacturer of diesel engines and generators. They make engines, generators, and other components primarily for the construction, agriculture, and defenses industries. Hatz provides these products for international customers including customers in the United States, and has production facilities in Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Christian leads the production efforts at all three locations
Christian is an uncommon leader in several ways. Christian is an Austrian and he was born in a small village where he learned about the importance of a solid work ethic at a young age. He started with his company at the bottom rung and has worked himself into a position as a respected executive. He has been with the same company for over 35 years. That tells you he is loyal and does not cut and run, but rather stays and works to improve the organization he is with.
In a recent conversation Christian explained elements of his business and leadership philosophy. The leadership techniques Christian employs are essential for leading a diverse workforce in a cross-cultural business environment.
Keep Your Employees Informed
Christian says he has learned it is very important for a leader to be transparent. “Leaders must keep their followers informed”, proclaims Christian. According to Christian the continual flow of communication throughout a team stops problems and issues before they have a chance to begin.
Leaders must communicate expectations and priorities clearly and keep their followers up to date when things change. As leaders keep their followers informed, leaders must also make it clear to followers that they must keep their leader informed. Christian stated that two-way communication between the leader and his or her followers is essential because the only thing constant within an organization is that change will occur.
Keep a Laser Focus on the Customer Needs
Christian is a big believer in listening to a customer, understanding their needs, and then delivering on what the customer wants. According to Christian everything else is just noise. Nobody knows more about their business than the customer.
Christian stated that doing a deep dive on what the customer wants and then keeping those needs at the forefront of the design and manufacturing processes are essential to recruit and retain customers. Chistian’s direct reports understand that focus on the customer is their most important priority.
Provide Direction and Purpose
Christian believes that as a leader, one of his most important responsibilities is to provide a clear and consistent way forward for his employees. Christian highlights the power of purpose and he says employees must understand the overarching reason for why they work for their organization.
When employees understand the “why” they will then be better prepared to make good decisions and demonstrate initiative. This is essential to deliver quality products in an efficient and timely manner to the customer.
Commonsense Techniques
Christian employs commonsense techniques to get the most out of his employees and meet the demands and needs of his customers. Christian has found that keeping the focus on those he leads and the customers he serves is a winning formula.
About John Gronski
Major General John L. Gronski (U.S. Army Retired) is the founder and CEO of Leader Grove LLC, a leadership consulting firm. John is the author of three books, “Iron-Sharpened Leadership”, “Leadership Sharpeners”, and “The Ride of Our Lives” and is an international and Fortune 500 speaker. Learn more about John at https://johngronski.com/
Continue To Learn
Visit JohnGronski.com to access free leadership development resources including a free downloadable leadership pamphlet, John’s YouTube Channel, and John’s leadership blog. Order John’s books by visiting Store.LeaderGrove.com or by visiting Amazon.
Meet The Author, John Gronski
His military awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, and Basic Parachutist Badge. John has also been awarded the National Infantry Association Order of Saint Maurice in the rank of Primicerius; The Association of the United States Army McLain Medal; the Republic of Lithuania Medal of Merit; the Cross of the Knight of the Order for Merits to Lithuania; and the Golden Medal of the Polish Armed Forces.
John is the founder and CEO of Leader Grove LLC, a leadership consulting firm. John is the author of two books, “Iron-Sharpened Leadership” and “The Ride of Our Lives”. He is an international and Fortune 500 speaker and leadership trainer.
John is a graduate of the University of Scranton where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Penn State University, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. John has attended Alvernia University as a doctoral student in the corporate leadership program. He has been certified as a Project Management Professional and he holds a master’s certificate as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University.
Learn more about John at https://johngronski.com