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Setting Sail Toward Leadership: Key Principles for Success

By Stuart Sandlin – President, Hapag-Lloyd North America

When we all “set sail” on our career path, one thing is certain: finding an organization with the right values, strategy, and leadership can make an enormous difference in where your ship will sail.

Before I lean into the topic of being a leader, I feel compelled to highlight an important first step: making the right choice in a company. But how do you know if you have found the right company to invest your time and energy in for an impactful career? You simply ask and observe. I truly believe that finding this perfect match is not about luck – it is the result of a deliberate and thoughtful search during the interview process. Both the employer and employee must evaluate if the fit is right for long-term collaboration (or, as I like to call it, a career).

How to choose the right company

Here are several recommendations for assessing a company:

  • Ask about the culture. Talk to everyone you meet, both inside and outside the company, about its culture. Listen carefully for consistent key themes. Gathering multiple perspectives helps you uncover the full picture – not just the polished image the company presents on social media. If people respond enthusiastically, it is a sign of strong employee engagement, and that culture is a priority for the company.
    • On the other hand, if you get a mix of hesitant or inconsistent answers, it suggests that the culture may vary by department. While this could still mean the company has pockets of excellence, long-term satisfaction might be limited if the culture depends on individual leaders rather than being company wide.
  • Investigate the company’s community impact. Ask, “How is the company making an impact in the community?” When a company has goals bigger than the individual, it demonstrates a commitment to the greater good and long-term value creation. This is the kind of place where you will want to build a career.
  • Understand their investment in people. Explore how the company develops its teams and skills. Ask about the organization’s training programs, professional development initiatives, and leadership structure. A good question is: “Does the company promote from within, or does it often need to hire externally for key roles?” This can reveal whether the organization nurtures and retains talent or struggles to develop its people.

How to become a good leader

Congratulations! You have joined a company you believe in. This is a huge milestone toward a rewarding career. When the company invests in your success and you, in turn, invest in theirs, it is a rare and valuable fit.

You have grown in your role, been recognized for your contributions, and are now entrusted with the responsibility of leading others. What now? Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leader can feel like uncharted waters. I know it can feel daunting at first, but trust me, each step will bring you closer to the leader you are meant to be. Here are some of my guiding principles as you embark on this leadership journey:

  1. Embrace growth – Leadership is a journey, not a destination. You will not be great immediately, but every experience will help you grow.
  2. Be a mentor – Invest in your team’s success. Help them grow, and you will grow with them.
  3. Define the vision – Focus on who your team wants to be, not just what they need to do. A clear and inspiring vision unites and motivates.
  4. Clarify success – Define success clearly and align goals. Celebrate wins as a team and learn from losses together.
  5. Lead with passion – Believe in the mission, and your energy will inspire others to join you on the journey.
  6. Show vulnerability – Own your mistakes and successes. Authenticity builds trust and respect.
  7. Create culture – Build a collaborative, supportive environment where the team lifts each other up. Strong culture is your ultimate legacy as a leader.
  8. Communicate Clearly: Prioritize open, honest, and consistent communication to build trust and alignment.
  9. Empower Your Team: Delegate and trust your team, giving them ownership to drive success.
  10. Lead by Example: Model the behavior, values, and work ethic you expect from your team.

Leadership is a journey worth taking.

We are all leaders in our own ways, navigating unique paths and influencing others through our actions, decisions, and values. While the world often prioritizes self-gratification, true leadership comes from helping others succeed. Ironically, this is also one of the most fulfilling forms of personal satisfaction. So, set sail confidently – leadership is both challenging and immensely rewarding.

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