Christiane Grimm
An interview about leadership, inspired by the rhythm of rowing strokes.
Anyone who meets Kirsten immediately notices: Here sits someone who not only leads, but also leads the way - with clarity, energy and an impressive dose of passion. As a team leader and passionate rower, she knows exactly how to bring people together and steer them towards a common goal.
Even before daybreak, Kirsten glides through the dense morning mist on the Limmat in Baden, soaking up peace and focus – while most are still asleep.
In the interview, Kirsten shares what she has learned about leadership through rowing, why team spirit is more than just a buzzword, and what values truly drive her as a leader.
1. Kirsten, waking up for sunrise on the water isn't exactly standard. What does rowing give you that makes you get up so early?
First of all, I have to say that I am an absolute "early bird". Getting up at 5 a.m. doesn't stress me out at all. When mountaineering, the alarm clock rings even much earlier. On my last vacation, I got up at half past 3 to stand at 4,167 m at sunrise. For me, that's relaxation. 😉
2. Rowing is the epitome of teamwork. Where do you see parallels between the boat and your everyday leadership?
3. Beyond project plans and systems, what does leadership mean to you? As a team leader, what values are particularly important to you, and how do you pass them on to your team?
4. In your opinion, what does it take for a team to not only function but truly grow?
People need to understand the reason for their work. There needs to be a kind of vision that you can follow like a guiding principle. If we don't just tick off to-dos, but understand the meaning behind them, we can contribute our own ideas and are certainly more motivated.
5. If conflicts arise in the team, how do you deal with them to get the team back on track?
6. What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a team leader? Is there anything you didn't consider at the beginning?
7. Finally: If your life were a rowboat - where are you steering next?
When rowing, you move backwards. You do look around regularly, but there is still a blind spot – you can get caught in the bushes. Occasionally, the current or the waves increase, and the boat no longer runs so smoothly. But ultimately, you always move forward.
Life is a bit like that too. We can control and plan so much – a certain percentage remains hidden in the blind spot and we don't know what's coming. But we move forward despite the uncertainties that lie ahead.
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