This book offers practical concepts and tools to get started or continue on your leadershhip journey. It will prepare you for a future in an ever-changing context. The Leadership Journey. Your ultimate guide for sustainable leadership. Written by leadership experts Sonja Wekema and Marjon Margés, this book is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to help you make a lasting impact. The Leadership Journey takes you on a step-by-step process from self-reflection to stakeholder management, from effective communication to sustainable development goals in an intercultural context. With each chapter, you will discover valuable tools, data, and illustrations, along with meaningful stories, quotes, and reflection questions. More than just a book, The Leadership Journey is a roadmap to success that equips you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the business ecosystem. Don’t wait any longer. Start your journey today and discover the power of compassionate, action-oriented leadership. Preface 6 1 You as a leader It all starts with you! 12 Hourglass model 16 Hourglass reflection questions 18 Why self reflection matters 20 Perception and awareness 22 Knowing yourself is also knowing your blind spots 24 Jungian preferences and the four colour energies 26 Behavioural preferences and patterns 29 The ladder of inference 30 Power of words 34 Platinum rule 35 Feedback and feed forward 36 Embrace the unknown 37 2 You and your team Creating a Winning Team 42 You are in the same boat 46 Management styles 48 Recognising others’ behaviours 50 Communicating effectively as a leader 53 Tips for effective communication 54 Showing up as a leader 56 The inner critic 58 Creativity and courage 60 Leading in an intercultural context 64 Common language 65 Common Spirit 66 3 You and Your Context Understanding Your Organisation 72 Considering different perspectives 76 Values and unwritten rules 76 Stakeholders 78 Stakeholder management 80 Communicating with stakeholders 83 Manage your energy, not just your time 86 Managing in the matrix 88 Different perspectives 89 How to work effectively in the matrix 91 Strategy and execution 91 Navigating the business ecosystem 92 Managing without direct authority 94 Nemawashi 96 Accountable leadership 98 Clarity 102 4 Getting ready for the future Move what matters 108 Future focused skills 112 Changing Context 114 Sustainable Development Goals 116 Inner Development Goals 117 Strong and bold 120 The future is now 121 5 Trust your compass Take action 124 Curiosity 131 It takes small steps: micro-habits 132 Connect 133 Epilogue 136 Leadership Journey Toolkit 140