Being vocal and building a network to create change in organisations is not easy. In fact being seen to influence is often considered a dirty word. But for Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer, the first Chief Information Officer at NATO, if done in the right way influencing, negotiating and aligning are fundamental to a senior leader’s value proposition. And where best to practice and learn this, if not in the unique and high-pressured environment of NATO.
“NATO is a consensus based organisation. If 31 say yes and one says no, it is a no. It means that you have to work at it and come up with the best possible compromise, the best possible solution.”
In the final part of our Leadership Unlocked podcast series, Manfred speaks to Professor Bernd Vogel, Director of the Henley Centre for Leadership, about, compromise, and multi-directional influencing. The need to give it all, yet emotionally and spiritually detaching at times, and also the reality that, unfortunately, both is required: working smart and hard.
From the importance of having (and following) a North Star and removing roadblocks, through to the role of mentors and role models on his leadership journey or using self-doubt as a motivator, Manfred shares his leadership insights and learnings from a cross-industry career.
“A healthy dose of self-doubt is sometimes quite valuable because it keeps you on your toes and it makes you question yourself.”
‘Leadership Unlocked’ is a podcast from the Henley Centre for Leadership at Henley Business School. Hosted by Bernd Vogel, Professor in Leadership and Founding Director of the Henley Centre for Leadership, the series explores what it means to become and be a senior leader today.
Throughout the series Bernd is joined by guests in senior leadership roles from all walks of life – including the media, retail, transport and governmental organisations – to share their leadership journeys, experiences, setbacks, learnings, and motivations, to inspire our audience.
Topics tackled throughout the series include: self-leadership and leadership as a platform; the importance of making tough choices; accepting and jumping on serendipity; the art of influencing; knowing when to get out of the way; the reality of self-doubt and setbacks; and questions around age and ego. Guests also share which leadership myths they would like to eradicate if they could, which produces some passionate responses.
Professor Bernd Vogel is a Professor in Leadership at Henley Business School. He is also Research Division Lead in Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour and Reputation, Founding Director ofHenley Centre for Leadershipand Henley Centre for Leadership Africa and an executive coach.
Having worked for over 20 years with global companies, business schools and universities, he bridges academia and practice to guide people and organisations in leadership learning journeys.
He is an expert in strategic leadership for healthy organisational energy and performance, the future of work and leadership, positive leadership, organisational leadership capability, senior management teams, followership, change and culture, multidirectional leadership for transformation and leadership development. He publishes in top-tier journals, is a regular media contributor and has authored and edited several books, such asFully Charged: How Great Leaders Boost Their Organization's Energy and Ignite High Performance, published by Harvard Business Review Press.
Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer
Manfred Boudreaux-Dehmer is the first Chief Information Officer at NATO.
