Bob Flotkoetter’s Post

For those that think Drive to Survive is only about F1, whilst that is a fair assumption to make, its also a series about different leadership styles. You'll find some that resonate with you, and some that really don't. There was a scene in the recent season where Lewis Hamilton explains that he'd been giving Mercedes feedback, for a few seasons, about an area of the car that he thought the engineers should look at "...and I remember they basically said 'we know what we're doing...you're wrong'." Lewis goes on to say "okay, I thought I better step back. I don't want to step on anybody's toes". Eventually, the Mercedes team found that Lewis was right. We now know that Lewis has made the decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari. A move like this would have been for a number of reasons - as it always is when you change companies. But there's no doubt in my mind that these type of interactions, even if it was only once, would have been part of the reason. We all want to feel listened to, to feel part of a team and to feel respected - wherever you are in the hierarchy. So valuable reminders and lessons to be had with this show. Also though - come on first race of the season this week! #leadership

🏎️🤝 Embracing Team Spirit: Lessons from Charles Leclerc 🤝🏎️ As those close to me know - I am a huge Formula 1 fan, and not only that, but I am a big Scuderia Ferrari fan. In the thrilling climax of the last race of the year, Charles Leclerc showcased a remarkable display of teamwork that extends beyond the track. 🌟 During a pivotal moment, he selflessly offered to relinquish his position to support the team's overall goal of securing second place. 🔧 This act of solidarity goes beyond the competitive world of Formula 1 and imparts valuable lessons for all of us in the professional arena. Here's how we can draw inspiration from Charles Leclerc's team-oriented mindset: 1️⃣ Selflessness Over Individual Glory: Charles demonstrated that success is not only measured by personal achievements but also by the collective accomplishments of the team. In our workplaces, let's prioritize the greater good and collaborate toward shared objectives. 2️⃣ Effective Communication: The clarity and humility in Leclerc's team radio message underline the importance of open and honest communication. In our teams, fostering transparent dialogue ensures everyone is on the same page, contributing to a more harmonious and efficient work environment. 3️⃣ Adaptability and Flexibility: Charles Leclerc's willingness to adapt his strategy for the benefit of the team highlights the significance of being flexible in our approaches. In dynamic work environments, embracing change with a positive attitude can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. 4️⃣ Team Goals Over Personal Achievements: While individual success is important, Leclerc's actions remind us that achieving collective goals often brings greater fulfillment. In our professional journeys, let's align our efforts with the overarching objectives of our teams and organizations. 5️⃣ Leading by Example: As a high-profile figure, Charles Leclerc sets a powerful example for aspiring professionals. Leaders, take note: leading by example fosters a culture of collaboration, loyalty, and mutual support within teams. Let's take a pit stop in our own professional races to reflect on these principles. By incorporating the spirit of teamwork exhibited by Charles Leclerc, we can all contribute to creating winning environments both on and off the track. 🏁👥 #Teamwork #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #CharlesLeclerc #TeamSpirit

This post crossed my feed this morning, and it stopped me in my tracks. I don’t recall seeing a better recruitment strategy. Ever. Having a team express what they’re seeking in a leader? Brilliant marketing and a phenomemal team morale boost. The message is incredibly concise, with a clear vision. This short video summarizes values that employees cherish. If you have this skill set and want to contribute to this culture, you are encouraged to apply. I am not affiliated with, nor am I interested in the position, but for recruitment friends, hiring managers and marketing specialists, you may gain some insight from this unique approach. I’m curious to learn the number of applicants they receive… As Simon Sinek so eloquently shared, “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.” #challengethenorm #leadershipmatters #becreative #hirethebestfit

I was talking to some coworkers today about how to retain top talent in an organization. I shared this with them. I equate my top performers to super cars (I'm obsessed with Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix so stick with me here). As a leader in my department, I can't run my Ferraris 800 miles without changing their tires. I can't have them run the track and not fill them up with gas. I can't have them win Grand Prix after Grand Prix and not hire an amazing pit crew to support them. I can't ask them to run a track that's filled with potholes and huge boulders. I can't have my Ferraris using engine parts from a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle and expect them to win. I can't ask them to do extra laps and then ignore them when they start asking about the smoke coming out of their engines. I also can't have them run a race without any prizes, accolades, cheers from the fans, or huge trophy at the end of the race. I can't ask them to bring home the wins while the other cars on our team are kicking back on the track. I have to treat my top performers like the super cars that they are. That's how you keep superstars on your team. #promotion #leadership #talentacquisition #retention #talentretention

Brand done right on Hollywood’s biggest night. Instead of shining the light on celebrities (which have the spotlight already), Volvo Car USA tied their value of safety into shining a light on Hollywood stunt performers. I found this to be an incredibly moving Oscars spot and an example of how you can tie brand core values into a theme in a way that is effortless. Great marketing and great brand work. From a leadership lens, this is also a call to see where you can shine the light on employees behind the scenes who may not get the shine that others do. Who gets forgotten in All Hands meetings? Whose voices can you amplify? So often the ones behind the scenes doing much of the heavy lifting get none of the shine that the top brass do. Mindful leadership is an opportunity to acknowledge that. #leadership #brand #coaching #branddevelopment #marketing

Recently, I had the exceptional opportunity, as a female engineer, to meet Koji, the newly appointed Global CEO of Toyota and former Chief Engineer for the LC 500. His extensive technical knowledge, friendly demeanor, and infectious humor made for an insightful exchange. I look forward to the advancements and progress Toyota will see under his capable leadership. #Toyota #WomenInEngineering"

As I look back on my career in the automotive industry, starting nearly 16 years ago as a car salesman, I’m filled with a deep sense of humility and gratitude. It’s been a journey of relentless learning, adapting, and growing, every step teaching me invaluable lessons about the industry, leadership, and myself. This journey has been far from linear, marked by challenges that seemed insurmountable and achievements that were beyond my wildest dreams. Each experience, each interaction, has been a building block, shaping the professional I am today. But what excites me the most is not just reflecting on how far I’ve come but looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead. The automotive industry is on the cusp of transformative change, from electric vehicles to digital retailing, and I’m thrilled to be part of this evolution. As we stand at this juncture, looking back at the path we’ve traversed and ahead to the horizon, it’s clear that our past experiences ground us, and our future aspirations propel us. Let’s embrace the journey with humility, learn from our past, and leap towards the future with excitement and openness to the endless possibilities. Here’s to the road traveled, and the journey ahead. 🚗💼🌟 #AutomotiveIndustry #CareerJourney #Leadership #FutureAspirations #personalgrowth

The ebb and flow of anticipating ups and downs are true constants in our retail automotive world. NADA attendees, share your takeaways! #NADA #automotiveretail #autodealers #autodealerships #leadership

Yesterday, Samuel Agini of the Financial Times reported his interview of Formula 1 head Stefano Domenicali, who had to deal with star racing drivers, like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen and their team managers. Domenicali’s #leadership was tested, and he admitted that #leaders cannot do anything alone; they need to have good #teams (https://lnkd.in/emai7F7Y).   Leading a team of #superstar drivers and delivering high #performance is not just confined to F1. In the early 1980s, many journalists, analysts and reporters from the #technology world were puzzled over the huge performance gaps between an emerging company called Oracle and other tech companies. They were curious to know the secret sauce of Oracle’s success. Their questions were answered when they discovered #seven critical team #competencies of superstars who worked in Oracle then:   1.   #Balance: How well the team understood the importance of diversity of skills. 2.   #Energy: How ambitious the team was and how it kept the momentum high. 3.   #Talent: How obsessive each team member was to attract, hire, develop and retain top talent. 4.   #Alignment: How well team members understood both the team’s and company’s purpose. 5.   #Resilience: How the team held itself together despite severe stress and continued to deliver high performance. 6.   #Efficiency: How well the team drove efficiently for results. 7.   #Openness: How much the team valued building connections outside the world of work.   The underlying premise was that it wasn’t enough to hire star performers; the leaders (Larry Ellison and Geoff Squire) had also to help us work together. Don’t believe the popular myth that groups of superstars don’t work together well. Of course, they do, if you organise and lead them correctly. Even after nearly four decades, the surviving members of these teams go out for lunch regularly; they are as open, energetic, aligned and collaborative today as they were then.   Drawing on my observations of Larry and Geoff’s management style and practices, I distilled the following six #lessons that can help any leader cultivate a winning team:   1.     Set the highest standards for everyone. 2.     Put people front and centre. 3.     Analyse mistakes continually, even when winning. 4.     Foster an open, no-blame culture. 5.     Trust superstars but maintain authority; and 6.     Relentlessly battle complacency.   Looking back, I realised that teams that consistently performed at the highest level over a long period were much more diverse regarding skills and backgrounds. They were upbeat and engaged, open to new ideas and able to bounce back from adversity. They were bright stars, brought together in a beautiful constellation by two maestros.  

Embracing graceful competition...🌟 Whilst revising some marketing ideas with my team at Citrus Connect Recruitment, I came across a very interesting advert by BMW Group dedicated to Dieter Zetsche (a must-watch if you haven't seen it - link below). It wasn’t just the creativity of the advert that caught my eye; it was the message of respect and admiration between fierce competitors. In an industry where rivalry often fuels innovation, BMW’s farewell to Zetsche was a beautiful reminder that at the heart of competition lies mutual respect. It celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship, acknowledging the accomplishments of a competitor who pushed the boundaries of what's possible in the automotive industry. Personally, for me, the advert underpins the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements and milestones of those who inspire us, even if they sit across the competitive aisle. It sparked a conversation in me about the kind of competitor I aspire to be and the legacy we aim to build Citrus Connect Recruitment Watch the video, you'll love it!! Happy Wednesday 😊 https://lnkd.in/g9yB8hJf #Leadership #Sportsmanship #Innovation #AutomotiveIndustry #Teamwork #businessintelligence #sales #culture #humanresources #directsales #mindfulness #Tipsforsucess