The Fish Starts Smelling From Its Head

In this episode of The Daily Hint, we explore a popular German saying: “The fish starts smelling from its head.” This metaphor perfectly describes how leadership issues in an organization often stem from the top.

Leadership is more than just managing—it’s about enabling growth, guiding teams, and shaping a thriving company culture. When those in top management roles fail to step up as leaders, the entire organization suffers. Jens highlights that many businesses fall into this trap, especially when management changes result in leaders who don’t prioritize empowering their teams.

A misaligned management team doesn’t just affect operations; it also shapes the culture of the organization. And when the culture weakens, business performance inevitably declines. Jens points out that organizations need leaders, not just managers. Leadership is about enabling others to reach their potential, which in turn helps the entire organization thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership problems often start at the top.

• Managers who don’t lead can hold back organizational growth.

• Company culture and leadership are deeply connected.

• True leadership is about empowering and enabling teams.

Tune in to this episode to learn why leadership that empowers is crucial for long-term business success.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction: The Fish Starts Smelling from Its Head

00:05 The Role of Leaders vs. Managers

00:35 Impact of Management on Organizational Culture

00:46 Conclusion: Be a Leader, Not a Smelly Fish

Links:

===========================

Equipment and Software that I use for my Videos and Podcasts!   

Jens Equipment and Software overview: https://www.jensheitland.com/equipment

===========================

Books that I read and recommend.

My Book Recommendations: https://www.jensheitland.com/books

===========================

Here are the ways to work with me:

Speaking: https://www.jensheitland.com/speaking

Leadership Skills Assessment: https://www.wearesucceed.com/

===========================

Connect with me!   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jensheitland/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JensHeitlandofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensheitland/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jensheitland

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jensheitland

Newsletter: https://www.jensheitland.com/newsletter

===========================

Subscribe and Listen to The Jens Heitland Show Podcast HERE: 

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjuSGi1feauCNSER3IKuGWg

Web: https://www.jensheitland.com/podcasthome

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jens-heitland-show-human-innovation/id1545043872?uo=4

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7H0GWMGVALyXnnmstYA1NL

===========================

Subscribe and Listen to The Daily Hint with Jens Heitland Podcast HERE: 

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2tLdutVh6b6nCBgWQ817eQ

Web: https://www.jensheitland.com/the-daily-hint

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-hint-with-jens-heitland/id1722930497

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4T02uYPvcOrajPC6FgH64r?si=8aab1e7683204160&nd=1&dlsi=0f69c72af017454a