How I Found My Way to Becoming a Leader

Tobias, 30 years old, took the step to become a leader after several years in the IT industry. In a conversation with the Management Institute Dr. A. Kitzmann, he talks about the challenges that came with this transition and how a seminar helped him develop essential leadership skills to successfully lead his team.

From Team Member to Boss – The Starting Point

Interviewer: Tobias, you took the step into leadership some time ago. How did it all start for you?

Tobias: For a long time, I just did my job in IT without thinking much about leadership. At some point, I realized I wanted to take on more responsibility. I didn’t just want to complete tasks – I wanted to make a real impact and help move my team forward.

The Challenge: Leadership Means More Than Just Giving Orders

Interviewer: And once you made the move into leadership, what was the biggest challenge?

Tobias: I quickly realized that just being the boss doesn’t work. It’s about understanding people, motivating them, and having difficult conversations. That was all new and pretty challenging for me. I knew I needed more than just a bit of experience – I wanted to learn the proper tools.

The Aha Moment: Learn, Try, Grow

Interviewer: How did you tackle that challenge?

Tobias: I decided to attend a seminar at the Management Institute Dr. A. Kitzmann. There, I didn’t just learn theory – we practiced a lot. What really helped were the role plays and the honest feedback. That’s when I realized where I stood and how I could develop my own leadership style. Slowly, my uncertainty turned into confidence.

Today I Lead with More Calm and Clarity

Interviewer: And how are you doing today as a leader?

Tobias: By now, I’m fully in the thick of it as a leader. I know how to motivate my team, resolve conflicts, and share responsibility. Of course, it’s not always easy, but I feel well-prepared and truly enjoy my role.

Good Leadership Can Be Learned

Interviewer: Do you have a tip for others who want to take the next step?

Tobias: My tip is simple: take every opportunity to learn and grow. Leadership isn’t some innate talent – it’s a skill you can train. With the right support, the path to becoming a leader is not only possible, but actually really exciting.