Leadership Beyond Numbers: A Lesson in Valuing People

In my years of professional experience, I’ve witnessed a common mistake across various organizations: the leaders focus too much on numbers and forget that businesses are driven by humans—employees and customers alike. This mindset leads to setbacks that can sometimes be irreparable, as I've seen firsthand.

For example, while I was managing the largest campus of Deutsche POP in Cologne, we maintained growth and revenue even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The real cause of the company’s downfall wasn’t the pandemic, but poor decisions made by the higher management—people more concerned with profit margins and quick fixes than with fostering a healthy work environment. The company ultimately went bankrupt, destroying years of hard work and affecting thousands of students and employees. 

This story is about what leaders could have done differently and what they should be focusing on going forward.

The Leadership Trap: Too Many Directors, Not Enough Leaders

A recurring theme in my professional journey has been companies hiring multiple directors and managers in an attempt to micromanage every aspect of the business. They believe that by adding more “leaders,” they can control every inch of the organization. But they miss the mark: leadership is not about control, it’s about inspiring people. If employees feel motivated, understood, and part of a meaningful mission, they’ll go above and beyond to help the company grow. If not, the company will suffer.

In these cases, companies put pressure on employees, using threats instead of encouragement, numbers instead of vision, and fear instead of trust. The higher-ups fail to realize that people will only deliver when they feel connected to the mission of the business. It’s not just about hitting the next sales goal—it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued.

Leadership That Inspires

True leadership starts with understanding that every organization is a community. Here are a few key lessons:

1. Value your people, not just the bottom line: Businesses need to be more than numbers-driven machines. Employees are the ones who make or break the success of the company. By creating a supportive environment and focusing on their growth and well-being, organizations will thrive.

2. Foster trust, not fear: Employees should feel empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and innovate. Leadership should focus on building trust and creating an environment where everyone feels safe to contribute their best ideas.

3. Inspire with a vision, not threats: Employees are far more likely to be motivated by a shared vision than by fear of consequences. Companies that inspire their teams with a meaningful mission are the ones that will stand the test of time.

4. Focus on long-term success, not short-term gains: While hitting monthly sales targets is important, long-term success requires investing in people. Companies need to build a culture that attracts and retains talent, not one that pushes people to their breaking point.

We all know that leadership can be tough, especially in challenging times. But the answer isn’t more control or more directors—it’s more humanity. Businesses that thrive in the long run are those that understand the balance between profit and people. They see their employees not as resources, but as individuals with dreams, goals, and potential.

Leadership is about creating environments where people want to give their best, where they feel they are part of something bigger than themselves. It’s not just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it—and whether the people who helped you along the way feel valued.

Let’s make leadership about lifting people, not controlling them.