On Friday it starts again. The Bundesliga kicks off its 62nd season. Everywhere, people are already debating who will lift the trophy this year and who was the top transfer of the summer. However, I don’t want to dedicate this LinkedIn post to a club or a player… but to a Bundesliga referee: Deniz Aytekin.

Once one of the least popular referees, he is now the most popular referee in the league. In the Harvard Business Manager column of my esteemed colleague Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Jenewein, we had the opportunity to speak with Deniz Aytekin about the reasons for this “transformation” and what business can learn from it:

1. Not just technical competence: Like many managers, Aytekin first had to learn that technical skills alone do not lead to success. Early in his career, he realized that while he could formally enforce decisions with a strong demeanor, he often failed to reach the players in heated situations.

2. Emotional intelligence and genuine interest: Over the years, Aytekin has developed a keen sensitivity to moods. “It’s about having genuine interest in the person—especially when you yourself are stressed and it’s difficult for you.” He understands that different player types require different approaches. In emotionally charged situations, Aytekin strives to understand the other person’s feelings and find an individual approach.

3. Calm and clear communication: Aytekin knows how to speak with players on equal footing while remaining respectful and understanding. He listens and explains his decisions, which increases the acceptance of his judgments.

4. Approachability instead of perfection: To this day, he has never managed a completely flawless game. For Aytekin, it is clear: “No one likes perfect people. On the contrary, admitting mistakes increases acceptance. That’s part of it. Conversely, this does not mean lowering the standards for yourself or your performance.”

5. Self-reflection and continuous development: Aytekin is a role model when it comes to self-reflection. He regularly analyzes his decisions and takes feedback seriously to continuously improve. This willingness for self-criticism and growth demonstrates that true leaders never stop learning and evolving.

Deniz Aytekin’s leadership style on the field is a prime example of how authority, empathy, and fairness can go hand in hand. He demonstrates that true leadership is not only about enforcing rules but also about creating a respectful and inclusive environment.

This post was published by Melan Thuraiappah on August 20, 2024, on LinkedIn. Zum Original-Beitrag