On May 16, 2024, AmCham Germany and Management Centre hosted an Expert Webinar on the topic “The Pearls and Perils of Leadership.” After welcoming the participants and introducing the speakers, Johan Beeckmans (Senior Associate and Leadership Expert, Management Centre Europe) and Dennis Woodruff (Managing Director of Clearview Consulting Company USA and former Senior Consultant Leadership of the HayGroup – Korn Ferry) discussed questions such as: What does leadership look like in an era where turbulence and disruption are the norm? And “Is there a one size fits all leadership?”
Furthermore, the speakers presented the outcome of the GLOBE study and its main conclusions. Amongst others, the findings revealed that many behaviors are similar across societies - no matter the cultural difference or society in which a leader is from, there are specific leadership behaviors that are viewed as effective. Business leaders have tremendous power to change the organizational culture of their companies by utilizing several methods that address underlying assumptions, beliefs, and values of their members. The briefing concluded by emphasizing that understanding differences in cultures brings about awareness of different perceptions of leadership. Recognizing the elements in leadership and culture enables individuals to leverage the differences that cultures create and contribute to positive intercultural growth.
The speakers Johan Beeckmans and Dennis Woodruff have done significant global research in leadership over the last 20 years in Fortune 500 companies. Together, they have covered 57 countries. Both Johan and Dennis facilitate MCE programs around the globe. They share both their international business experience and the outcomes of their research with participants attending these development programs.
