BEING A VISIONARY IN the business world means more than just planning based on predicted trends. It means working to define the future. Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group and CEO of Mercedes-Benz, does exactly this.
He leads a team of over 150,000 employees that is dedicated to moving the company that invented the car into a new era of mobility.
"Today's auto industry is all about constantly hitting 'refresh' and getting your products as well as your business future-proofed. Together with the whole Mercedes team, we are 100 percent dedicated to that task. Having invented the car is fantastic. Better still is reinventing the future of mobility. Mercedes-Benz is determined to lead the way in the new automotive world as well," Källenius told Newsweek.
Källenius has found that the best way to succeed is giving employees greater freedom.
"I've been with Mercedes since 1993. During this time, I was privileged to learn a lot from many different colleagues and partners-people with a wide variety of talents and all with the same passion for our cars. I've also experienced leadership in various cultural contexts," he said.
"Over the years, I've developed my very own leadership style, which is based on empowering my direct staff and giving them a lot of freedom to do their jobs. I work this way because I'm convinced that providing greater personal freedom, instead of giving exact instructions, can pave the way for groundbreaking ideas. However, to me greater freedom goes hand-in-hand with greater accountability."
This story is from the April 12, 2024 edition of Newsweek US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 12, 2024 edition of Newsweek US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The States Keeping Their Children Hungry
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer could help feed millions of children in households experiencing food insecurity, yet 13 states have declined to participate in the program
The Secret to Being an ADHD Whisperer
Loosening up and ceding control are some of the most important strategies for making life easier for a neurodiverse loved one
Fertility Clinics 2024
FOR THOSE LOOKING TO EXPAN D THEIR FAMILIES, FERTILITY CLINICS CAN BE A VITAL OPTION
'I AM ALWAYS IN THE MOMENT'
India's prime minister on his goals, his critics and his 'god-gifted' ability to listen
MODI'S MOMENT
INDIA'S LEADER is SHAPING the COUNTRY in his OWN ASSERTIVE IMAGE
Resurgence of Global Mayhem
While the world watches Gaza, ISIS is gaining strength and momentum, building networks and preparing for strikes worldwide
Is It Time to Leave Syria?
The U.S. is reportedly considering withdrawing from the country, with pressure from Damascus amid deepening unrest in the region. Is this the right move? Two experts weigh in
Chris Perfetti
IF YOU'RE ONE OF THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS SINGING THE PRAISES of ABC's Abbott Elementary, fear not, they've heard you. \"We love to hear it,\" says Chris Perfetti, who plays Jacob Hill on the Emmy-winning sitcom about teachers at a Philadelphia public school.
Divine Intervention
POPE FRANCIS' PROGRESSIVE REPOSITIONING OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH HAS CREATED BATTLE LINES BETWEEN ITS 1.3 BILLION FOLLOWERS, NO MORE SO THAN IN THE UNITED STATES
Who Rules Gaza When the Fighting Stops?
With no clear leader coming to the fore, questions remain about how the devastated territory will be managed