How to deal with a changing world has been a theme forever. 2500 years ago, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus allegedly said that it is impossible for the same man to step into the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man. The meaning is that all of us are changing all the time and so is the world around us, something that obviously also was a subject for discussion around the year 500 BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today we talk about living in a VUCA-world (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity), i.e. a world were very little can be predicted and where all of us need to be adaptable at any time. Ledership tip: Judge wisely and carefully<\/strong> Case: Keep your stars in check to play for the team<\/strong> Update on our new book<\/strong> As a small sign of appreciation, we\u2019ve twisted the arm of our publisher and gotten the discount code from the book launch reopened for 2 weeks. It may be the Christmas present for someone dear who could use a little inspiration or a little something to spark new energy into your own leadership. The perfect thing for anyone who wants to meet 2021 updated on leadership tools and trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From December 14th to 31st you can use the code Fireandshield2 to get 20% and free shipping \u2013 see more here: https:\/\/contentpub.eu\/produkt\/andre-menneskers-penge-og-andre-menneskers-liv\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2020 we\u2019ve truly been tested on our flexibility and perseverance. People everywhere have demonstrated again and again how we can adapt and conquer, take in new ways of working and new technologies overnight. Despite the hardship and without neglecting the suffering, we also have to appreciate how 2020 forced many of us out of our comfort zones. For us, 2020 has been a year of new customers, lifting and solidifying business with existing customers, moving some of our trainings online and writing a book. For all of that we are grateful. So despite the tough challenges we dare to say: Thank you 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fireandshield.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/ChatGPT-Image-9.-jun.-2025-12.10.11-1024x683.png\")
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In uncertain times it\u2019s easy to make mistakes, wrong assessments or poor choices. It is also tempting to judge others harshly on how they lead in such times. None of us have ever faced a situation like COVID-19 before with its\u2019 unpredictability, rapid changes and game changing ways. Across the board, from people in public office to your neighbour in the management team it\u2019s both healthy and smart business to assume that everybody does their best. You probably would have done things differently than your Marketing Manager or the Head of IT or even your boss, but that\u2019s their job and you have yours. When under pressure most of us have a tendency to look outside ourselves for faults. Blame games, whether lighter or heavier, are never good for business. So word of caution here: Keeping yourself and your judgements in check will increase the performance of the entire team that you are part of \u2013 and make you a true role model for the best behavior. That way you will be a more inspiring and better performing leader yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fireandshield.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/ChatGPT-Image-9.-jun.-2025-12.08.32-1024x683.png\")
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New Zealand National Rugby team, also known as The All Blacks, are the most successful international sports team of all-time with a winning percentage of 77.41% over 580 Tests (1903-2019). If you don\u2019t believe us, check out their website www.allblacks.com. Below is a piece from Financial Times June 23rd 2017, analyzing why the team keeps beating other teams from much larger nations with a potentially higher talent pool and bigger budgets. One of the key elements behind the success was found to be how The All Blacks insist on everybody playing for the team rather than promoting themselves. In a time of divas, talent programs and corporate stars it\u2019s interesting to see the effect of doing just the opposite: Making sure that no one is above anyone else on a team.
Far too often we meet management teams that allow individual(s) to spread negative energy or run solo, just because they are seen as top performers. This way the team neglects or underestimates how such people tend to negatively influence the performance of the rest of the team.
What can you do yourself to avoid this? Firstly, make sure you always play for team yourself. Secondly, give feed forward to those who don\u2019t. Have the courage to address as a team if somebody is playing for themselves and suggest other ways. If you are responsible for a management team yourself, check that all on the team are playing for the team. Confront those who don\u2019t, and never hesitate to change your line-up to suit the challenge and goals.
Teams outperform individuals again and again. As leaders we have an obligation to build them, support them and grow them. In the end that\u2019s how your organization will prosper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fireandshield.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/5-1-1024x879.png\")
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We are so honoured at the positive reception of our latest book, \u201dOther peoples\u2019 money and other people\u2019s lives \u2013 leadership and execution in turbulent times\u201d. We\u2019ve received very nice reviews \u2013 both in magazines, by bloggers and most importantly by many of you. Thank you for your continued support and your highly valued feedback. That\u2019s how we stay sharp and that\u2019s how we continue to grow \u2013 together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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