TOB_Magazine

[ 50 ] TOBACCO BUSINESS [ MAY / JUNE | 18 ] LIGHT UP YOUR BUSINESS. INTERTABAC 2018 21–23 SEPTEMBER DORTMUND GERMANY World’s largest Trade Fair for Tobacco Products and Smoking Accessories www.intertabac.com however, delegating tasks helps build the team and increases its effectiveness, resulting in a great return on investment regardless of the time it requires. Leaders also must rely on the team outside of their department and in the greater corpo- rate structure to get things done. When Austin needs advice, there are various people within Davidoff that he turns to, knowing that each will bring a new perspective and approach to whatever problem or situation he’s faced with. “There are a number of people I turn to for advice, and it varies on what input I am looking for. Many folks at Davidoff are specialized in certain aspects; others are great to just bounce things off of without it being their area of expertise. You’ve got to build those relationships within the team and the company. They’re very important—not only for you, but also so that others feel their input is sought after, heard and ultimately appreciated,” he reveals. Practicing good communication, in both good and bad situations, is how good leaders manage their team. Alignment and managing expectations are two areas of communication that leaders will always struggle with and must work at improving, according to Austin. Leaders and their teams are bound to face their share of problems that require time, planning and think- ing to overcome. Leaders must be ready to turn to their team with questions—and be ready to listen to solutions—to make the right decisions that will lead to the best outcomes. Leading with Purpose With the necessary skills and team in their arse- nal, how can leaders challenge the status quo to take their companies and its products to the next level? They must lead with purpose and with the intent to create lasting value. Austin says that with his leadership style, he pushes Davidoff’s products to the next level by maintaining a pas- sion for innovation and by pushing his team and the brands to evolve each and every day. “We come in every day to make a difference, whether it’s in the relationship with a custom- er and their business or within our own,” he explains. “We don’t have a day to waste, and there is so much to be done to make your busi- ness and brands better, to help build the business of our partners, and to drive greater learnings and empowerment within our team.” Leaders must see purpose in everything they do, from the decisions they make to how they choose to position certain products in the mar- ket. When developing the marketing and sales strategy behind Davidoff brands like Camacho, Cusano and Avo, Austin knows each brand’s marketing strategy must be developed around the purpose of the brand within the company’s overall portfolio. The brands must also fulfill a need for the consumer, giving it a reason to exist beyond “just because.” Purpose and knowing how to develop and identify it is essential for any brand’s chance of success in any market. Austin also says it’s important to understand the purpose behind the less pleasant side of business: failure. “You need to have failure and know what it feels like,” he says. “Know that you do not want to repeat that feeling, and ensure that you do not make the same mistakes twice. Worse than not recognizing failure is to repeat similar behaviors and expect a different outcome.” His final piece of advice is for those who are not yet leaders but who have hopes of achiev- ing higher management positions within their companies: relax. To be an effective leader, you must make time to recharge yourself. It’s impossible to run a million miles an hour all the time, but those who want to find them- selves in leadership roles must be prepared to find a balance between grinding hard and “resetting” as often as they can. “It’s the best thing you can do to maintain or increase your own performance,” Austin explains. “Even though you may think or feel you don’t need it, under the surface you do.” TB Dylan Austin Continued