Leadership Lessons from Time’s Person of the Year

Angela Merkel isn’t in a rush.

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany doesn’t mind taking her time considering a decision before moving forward. Her thoughtful leadership includes polls to get a feel for public opinion (her government once issued 600 polls over four years) and nurturing the German economy. Her “signature plodding pace“ is so well-known that it’s coined into a new verb: “Merkeling.”

Merkel’s uncommon leadership style catapulted her into the role of the de facto leader of the European Union, leading it through tumultuous times in the past year. On November 25, Merkel celebrated her tenth year in office. Whether you agree with her positions, she is, without a doubt, a remarkable leader. Here are three leadership lessons from Time‘s Person of the Year.

Despite her role as a world leader, Merkel lives in a small apartment. Her husband’s name decorates the buzzer downstairs and a lone police officer stands watch over their door. Merkel does everyday tasks, like grocery shopping. She prefers to work at a simple conference table rather than the behemoth desk installed in her office. The decision to live simply humanizes her to the German people, reminding the world she’s a person, not a figurehead.

The Takeaway: Be human

As a leader, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily chaos of running an enterprise. Take some time to eat lunch with your employees or join them for after-work cocktails. Show them you’re human too. It is important to know where the line is as well, you can be friendly and support them, but getting too much into it can land you in some trouble. If some employees feel like they are being discriminated against because you will not sit with them or interact with them as much as others, they could see that as an issue, and if it goes too far, then they may use the services of a discrimination lawyer by going here, or speaking to a local one so they can get the support they need. Know where the line is, and always be aware of what you are doing and how you are coming across.

Germany’s economy hasn’t always been the powerhouse it is today. Merkel describes her home of East Germany as “a country of economic collapse.” Her youth taught Merkel to be cautious, especially with money. She carried this same care with her to the office of the Chancellor, fighting off a 2014 downturn during the global economic crisis. Germany is now known as the “the richest in the Eurozone.”

The Takeaway: Be financially savvy

Be thoughtful with your finances. Any successful people would tell you that if your goal is to make money, then you have to hedge your bets and keep multiple sources of income. Mutual Funds, Stock Markets, Business Investments, and other sources on top of your primary income are a surefire way of keeping your finances growing even when you are not actively working. It is easy to start, and as long as you have the capital, you can make your first investment in minutes. If you don’t know where to start, then there are plenty of stock market resources you could follow, like this goldman sachs stock buy or sell chart or other similar market prediction and news portals. You could use a similar strategy and invest in a booming real estate market, or fund an up-and-coming startup. The possibilities are endless, and the more you diversify, the more you increase your chances of profit. The point is, be savvy with your finances and pass that information forward.

As a leader, you not only have to be able to manage your own finances but also teach your employees how to effectively use the resources they have. The best leaders in their fields, such as Michael Teys in strata consulting and others know how to properly train people to make the best of what they have. Using his plans and strategies, employees have been known to help out many homeowners and developers in need. After all, good leaders make better leaders.

A calm hand at the accounting wheel will keep your investors, your clients, and your employees happy. If your line of work is within the financial sector, then you are going to need to project that savviness out for your clients and employees to see. This may mean setting up strategies that will help you through, something like a financial marketing agency, for example, may be a good starting point, as this can give you the tools for what you require.

Growing up in East Germany, “patience was a lesson of life“. This trait has become her trademark. She is calm in every element in the role as Chancellor: in the face of crises, elections, even in exacting revenge. This prominent characteristic distinguishes her from her peers: instead of a quick reaction, Merkel responds with an intense thoughtfulness and care.

The Takeaway: Be patient

Take a page out of Merkel’s book. Don’t rush the decision-making process. Considering all angles (including the bad ones) can help leaders and entrepreneurs alike to make clear decisions and stand by them.

Merkel’s leadership is a type of revolution. Her trademark slower leadership style may not be new, but it is uncommon. Try it out, see how it fits you and your leadership. In other words, don’t be afraid to do a little “Merkeling.”