Leading Team Leaders: From Managing to Inspiring

At some point in every career, leadership takes on a new meaning. It’s no longer about managing tasks or even leading a team—it’s about leading other leaders. Success is no longer measured by what you do, but by what they can achieve under your guidance.

When I think about true leadership, I think of my dad. As an executive at the Austrian railway company, he was responsible for 15,000 people. But what set him apart wasn’t just his authority—it was his unwavering commitment to his people. He had an open door for everyone, from engineers to track workers, and they trusted him—not just with professional concerns, but personal ones too. I remember Sundays when employees would come to our home after witnessing traumatic accidents. He would listen, offer guidance, and support them like a mentor.

But his leadership went beyond words. After a skiing injury left him in a cast, a train derailed in the middle of winter. No one expected him to show up, but there he was, hobbling through the snow on crutches, making sure his teams had what they needed. He led by example, and his people knew he would never ask them to do something he wouldn’t do himself.

Even today, in his 80s, former colleagues still visit him for advice. That is leadership—not built on authority, but on trust, respect, and genuine care.

Leading leaders is a privilege, but it requires a shift in mindset. The best procurement leaders don’t micromanage—they empower. They don’t just focus on cost savings—they think long-term. And above all, they care about their teams. Leadership isn’t about what you accomplish alone—it’s about the impact you leave behind.

What lessons have shaped your leadership journey? Let’s discuss.

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