Author: mag. Janez Žezlina

Chess and Leadership -> Strategic Lessons from the Royal Game

The Enduring Wisdom of Chess in Leadership For centuries, chess has been revered as the “royal game,” a battlefield of intellect where strategy, foresight, and adaptability determine success. Originating over a thousand years ago, chess has fascinated kings, generals, and scholars alike, serving as both a mental exercise and a metaphor for life’s complexities. In today’s disruptive, volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous and more and more diversified (d.V.U.C.A.d.) world, modern leaders face an ever-evolving set of challenges. Decision-making is faster, stakes are higher, and strategic vision is more crucial than ever. What can leaders learn from a game that has...

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Volk Juno – Basen o volku, ki je našel svojo pravo moč

V osrčju prostranih gozdov sibirske tajge, kjer se dolge sence pletejo med drevesi, je živel mladi volk po imenu Juno. Bil je hiter in močan, a vedno je verjel, da lahko v gozdu in težkem okolju, ki ga le-ta predstavlja, preživi le na način, da živi sam zase in skrbi samo za svoje potrebe. “Vodja postaneš tako, da nikogar ne potrebuješ,” si je govoril. In tako je živel – kot samotar. Ko so se njegovi bratje in sestre pridružili krdelu, je Juno krenil svojo pot. Lovil je sam, potoval sam, spal sam. Na začetku se mu je to zdelo...

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Neuroscience and Communication in Leadership

Recent insights from neuroscience have provided new perspectives on communication, particularly in leadership. They allow us to better understand how to lead, motivate, and persuade people. Cognitive linguists highlight two key findings: Communication is a psychological category.Beliefs are crucial. When we communicate, we seek confirmation of our beliefs. If we receive confirmation, the brain’s pleasure center, the nucleus accumbens, is activated, releasing dopamine—a neurotransmitter that enhances (positive) mood. How to Communicate Effectively? Humans are emotional beings, and strong emotions can hinder rational communication. Therefore, it is crucial to first calm the emotions of the interlocutor and align them with...

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Kaj nas lahko naučijo La Masia, Sir Alex Ferguson in AC Milan o poslovni agilnosti in inovativni kulturi?

V dinamičnem poslovnem okolju, ki ga pogosto označujemo z vedno bolj prepoznavnim angleškim akronimom d.V.U.C.A.d. (Disruptivno, Volatilno, Negotovo/Uncertain, Kompleksno, Dvoumno/Ambiguity, Raznovrstnim/Diversified), je ključ do trajnostnega uspeha organizacij in posameznikov v proaktivnem iskanje navdiha tam, kjer prevladujejo vrednote, (agilni) razvoj in (prebojne) inovacije. Nogometni velikani, kot so FC Barcelona, Manchester United in AC Milan, ponujajo edinstvene vpoglede v to, kako graditi organizacije, ki uspevajo skozi čas in ostajajo odporne na spremembe. Pa si poglejmo, kako lahko njihove dobre prakse kot učne lekcije prenesemo v poslovni svet? 1. Barcelonizacija poslovanja: Dolgoročna vizija in holističen razvoj Globalna športna blagovna znamka Barcelona in...

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WHY SAMURAI PHILOSOPHY MATTERS FOR MODERN LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

In an era marked by rapid change, complexity, turbulence and a growing emphasis on sustainability, many business leaders seek timeless principles that can anchor their leadership approach. Samurai philosophy, grounded in the Bushido code, offers exactly this. The samurai were guided by values like honor, loyalty, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of self-mastery — qualities that resonate deeply with the demands of modern leadership. The samurai’s approach was not just about survival in battle but about a way of life committed to purpose, resilience, and lasting impact. Today, these values can serve as a powerful compass, helping leaders navigate...

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