Glossary, in alphabetical order
A
Accountability
Accountability refers to the obligation to answer for one's actions and decisions. In Business Coaching, leaders develop stronger accountability practices to improve their leadership effectiveness. Accountability cultures promote empowerment, transparency, and trust within organizations.
Agile Leadership
Agile Leadership is a modern leadership approach based on flexibility, self-organization, and continuous adaptation. Through Business Coaching, leaders learn to integrate agile principles into their management practices. Agile Leadership promotes empowerment, team dynamics, and a strong feedback culture.
Assessment Center
An Assessment Center is a comprehensive evaluation method for assessing leadership and employee capabilities through various exercises and tests. In Interim Management and Management Consulting, Assessment Centers are used for talent development and potential analysis. They identify leadership competencies and development opportunities.
B
Balanced Scorecard
The Balanced Scorecard is a strategic management system for holistic organizational control from multiple perspectives (financial, customer, process, learning/growth). In Management Consulting, it's used for strategy implementation and performance management. It connects strategic objectives with operational measures.
Benchmarking
Benchmarking is the systematic comparison of business processes, performance, and methods with best practices from other organizations. In Management Consulting, benchmarking is used for process optimization and performance enhancement. It enables identification of improvement opportunities and supports strategic planning.
Business Coaching
Business Coaching is professional guidance for leaders and entrepreneurs to develop their personal and professional competencies. It includes Executive Coaching, Team Coaching, and individual development programs. Business Coaching improves leadership effectiveness, strengthens self-reflection, and supports decision-making.
Business Mediation
Business Mediation is the application of mediation procedures to resolve conflicts in business contexts. It addresses conflicts between companies, within organizations (workplace conflicts, team conflicts), or in business relationships. Business Mediation offers a fast, confidential, and cost-effective alternative to litigation, leading to sustainable solutions.
Business Process Reengineering
Business Process Reengineering (BPR) involves radical redesign of business processes to achieve significant improvements. In Interim Management, BPR projects are conducted for process optimization and efficiency enhancement. BPR often requires Change Management and adjustments to the organizational structure.
C
Change Management
Change Management encompasses all measures for planning, controlling, and implementing organizational change processes. Management Consulting supports companies in successfully executing change projects. Change Management requires stakeholder management, clear communication, and consideration of organizational culture.
Coaching Process
The Coaching Process is a structured approach to personal and professional development of leaders. In Business Coaching, clients progress through phases from contract clarification and goal definition to implementation and evaluation. The process promotes self-reflection, behavioral change, and development of leadership competencies.
Communication Strategy
A Communication Strategy defines objectives, target audiences, messages, and channels for corporate communication. In Change Management, strategic communication is critical for success. Management Consulting develops communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders. Good communication promotes stakeholder engagement and supports transformations.
Competency Development
Competency Development refers to systematic enhancement of skills, abilities, and behaviors in employees and leaders. Business Coaching and talent development support individual competency growth. It encompasses technical, methodological, social, and personal competencies and is part of leadership development.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution describes the process of constructively settling disputes and conflicting interests. Business Mediation offers professional procedures for sustainable conflict resolution. Successful conflict resolution requires mediation, good communication, and willingness of all parties to collaborate constructively.
Conflict Management
Conflict Management encompasses all preventive and reactive measures for dealing with organizational conflicts. In Business Coaching, leaders develop their conflict management competencies. Business Mediation resolves existing conflicts professionally. Good conflict management improves work atmosphere and collaboration.
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance refers to the legal and actual framework for managing and supervising companies. In Management Consulting, governance structures are optimized to ensure compliance, transparency, and responsible corporate management. Good corporate governance strengthens stakeholder trust and improves corporate control.
Crisis Management
Crisis Management encompasses all measures for managing and preventing corporate crises. Interim Management provides rapid assistance in crisis situations through experienced managers. Crisis Management requires clear decision structures, effective communication, and often restructuring of the organization.
D
Decision-Making
Decision-Making is the process of selecting the best alternative from various options. Business Coaching supports leaders in improving their decision quality through structured methods and reflection. Effective decision-making considers risks, stakeholder interests, and long-term strategic goals.
Delegation
Delegation is the transfer of tasks and responsibility to employees to relieve managers and promote employee development. In Business Coaching, managers learn to delegate effectively, thereby increasing their leadership effectiveness. Successful delegation requires clear communication, trust, and empowerment of employees.
Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation describes comprehensive change in business models, processes, and organizational structures through digital technologies. In Interim Management, transformation projects are led and implemented. Digital transformation requires Change Management, new leadership competencies, and adaptation of corporate culture.
Due Diligence
Due Diligence is a comprehensive examination and evaluation of companies, typically in M&A transactions. Management Consulting supports due diligence execution to identify opportunities and risks. The process includes financial, legal, tax, and operational analyses, plus assessment of organizational culture.
E
Efficiency Enhancement
Efficiency Enhancement describes improving the ratio of resources used to results achieved. In Management Consulting, methods for efficiency enhancement through process optimization, Lean Management, and digitalization are employed. Interim Management implements efficiency measures directly in organizations.
Empowerment
Empowerment refers to enabling and authorizing employees for independent action and decision-making. In Business Coaching, leaders learn to create empowerment cultures. Empowerment promotes employee motivation, personal responsibility, and improves team dynamics and overall organizational culture.
Executive Coaching
Executive Coaching is a specialized form of Business Coaching for top executives and CEOs. It focuses on strategic challenges, leadership effectiveness, and personal development at the highest management level. Executive Coaching supports decision-making, stakeholder management, and refinement of personal leadership style.
F
Feedback Culture
A positive Feedback Culture is characterized by open, constructive, and regular feedback at all organizational levels. Business Coaching helps build productive feedback cultures. It promotes employee development, improves communication, and strengthens overall organizational culture.
G
Goal Setting
Goal Setting is the process of defining clear, measurable, and achievable objectives for individuals, teams, or organizations. In Business Coaching, leaders work on formulating and pursuing personal and professional goals. Effective goal setting often follows the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and forms the basis for Performance Management.
H
Human Resources Management
Human Resources Management (HRM) encompasses all tasks of personnel planning, recruitment, development, and leadership. Management Consulting optimizes HR strategies and processes for optimal employee development. Modern HRM integrates talent management, leadership development, and culture development.
I
Innovation Management
Innovation Management encompasses systematic promotion, control, and implementation of innovations in companies. Management Consulting develops innovation strategies and processes to secure competitiveness. Innovation Management requires willingness to change, creative corporate culture, and agile working methods.
Interim Management
Interim Management refers to temporary deployment of experienced managers to bridge vacancies or manage special challenges. Interim managers assume operational responsibility for transformation projects, restructurings, or crisis situations. They bring external expertise, objective perspectives, and rapid implementation competence to companies.
K
Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
Key Performance Indicators are metrics for measuring goal achievement and performance of organizations, teams, or processes. In Performance Management and with the Balanced Scorecard, KPIs play a central role. Management Consulting develops meaningful KPI systems for control and benchmarking.
L
Leadership Competencies
Leadership Competencies encompass the abilities, skills, and behaviors required for successful leadership. In Business Coaching and leadership development, these competencies are systematically developed. They include communication skills, decision-making strength, employee empowerment, and strategic thinking.
Leadership Development
Leadership Development encompasses all measures for systematic promotion of leadership talent and advancement of existing managers. Management Consulting designs and implements development programs, while Business Coaching provides individual guidance. Leadership development includes Assessment Centers, mentoring, and talent management.
Leadership Effectiveness
Leadership Effectiveness measures how well leaders achieve their goals and guide their teams to success. Business Coaching increases leadership effectiveness through reflection, methodology, and behavioral change. Effective leadership is demonstrated by high employee motivation, good results, and positive team dynamics.
Leadership Style
Leadership Style describes the characteristic way a leader guides and influences their employees. In Business Coaching, managers reflect on their leadership style and develop it situationally. Modern leadership styles like Agile Leadership, transformational leadership, or servant leadership promote empowerment and motivation.
Lean Management
Lean Management is a management approach to maximize customer value while minimizing waste. Management Consulting implements Lean principles for efficiency enhancement and process improvement. Lean Management promotes continuous improvement, employee participation, and customer-oriented thinking.
M
Management Consulting
Management Consulting encompasses professional advisory services for companies in strategic, organizational, and operational matters. Consulting fields range from strategy development to organizational development to process optimization. Management Consulting supports change processes, digitalization, and performance improvement.
M&A-Transactions
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions are company combinations, takeovers, or sales in which companies aim to grow, strengthen their market position, or create synergies by integrating, merging, or restructuring other companies, either wholly or partially. This involves complex legal and financial processes such as due diligence. They encompass main forms such as mergers (combining to form a new company) and acquisitions (buying by an existing company) and serve strategic goals such as market expansion or access to technology.
Mediation
Mediation is a structured process for out-of-court conflict resolution with the help of a neutral mediator. Business Mediation resolves conflicts in business contexts. Mediation is based on voluntariness, confidentiality, and the principle of self-determination of the conflict parties. It leads to sustainable, mutually accepted solutions.
Mentoring
Mentoring is a personal developmental relationship where an experienced person (mentor) supports a less experienced person (mentee) in professional and personal development. In leadership development and talent management, mentoring is an important instrument. It complements Business Coaching and promotes knowledge transfer and networking.
N
Nonviolent Communication
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) by Marshall Rosenberg is a communication model based on empathy, needs, and constructive conflict resolution. In Business Mediation, NVC is used for conflict de-escalation. It promotes peaceful conflict resolution, improves communication culture, and strengthens relationships in organizations.
O
Organizational Culture
Organizational Culture encompasses shared values, norms, beliefs, and behaviors within a company. Management Consulting and Business Coaching support culture development. A positive organizational culture promotes motivation, innovation, and is crucial for the success of changes.
Organizational Development
Organizational Development (OD) is a planned, systematic process to improve organizational performance and adaptability. Management Consulting designs OD processes for developing structures, processes, and culture. OD includes Change Management, culture development, and process improvement.
Organizational Structure
Organizational Structure defines the formal organizational setup and workflow of a company. Management Consulting optimizes structures for greater effectiveness and agility. Modern organizational structures promote empowerment, flat hierarchies, and cross-functional collaboration to support digital transformation.
P
Performance Management
Performance Management is a systematic process for planning, controlling, and evaluating the performance of employees and organizations. Management Consulting implements performance management systems with KPIs, feedback, and goal agreements. Good performance management connects strategic objectives with individual development.
Post-Merger Integration
Post-Merger Integration (PMI) refers to the phase after a merger or acquisition when the integration of the two companies takes place. Interim Management and Management Consulting support successful integration. PMI requires careful Change Management, cultural integration, and clear communication.
Potential Analysis
Potential Analysis serves to systematically evaluate employee capabilities, competencies, and development opportunities. As part of talent management and leadership development, potential analyses are conducted. Instruments include Assessment Centers, 360-degree feedback, and psychometric tests.
Process Optimization
Process Optimization aims at continuous improvement of business processes regarding efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. Management Consulting analyzes and optimizes processes systematically. Methods include Lean Management, Six Sigma, Business Process Reengineering, and continuous improvement.
R
Restructuring
Restructuring encompasses comprehensive changes to corporate structure, processes, or portfolio to improve competitiveness. Interim Management conducts restructuring projects, while Management Consulting provides conceptual support. Restructuring requires professional change management, clear communication, and often turnaround expertise.
Risk Management
Risk Management is the systematic process of identifying, assessing, and controlling corporate risks. Management Consulting develops risk management systems to secure business success. Risk management encompasses strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks and is part of corporate governance.
S
Self-Reflection
Self-Reflection is the conscious examination of one's own thinking, feeling, and acting for personal development. In Business Coaching, self-reflection is a central element for improving leadership effectiveness. It promotes self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the ability for behavioral change.
Stakeholder Management
Stakeholder Management encompasses systematic identification, analysis, and management of relationships with all company stakeholder groups. In Change Management and strategy implementation, professional stakeholder management is critical for success. It requires strategic communication, interest balancing, and continuous engagement.
Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning is the process of formulating long-term goals and measures to achieve competitive advantages. Management Consulting supports development and sharpening of corporate strategies. Strategic planning includes analysis, goal setting, option evaluation, and implementation planning.
Strategy Development
Strategy Development is the process of formulating long-term objectives and actions to achieve competitive advantages. Management Consulting supports development and refinement of corporate strategies. Strategy development encompasses analysis, goal setting, option evaluation, and implementation planning.
Strategy Implementation
Strategy Implementation refers to transforming strategic plans into concrete actions and results. Interim Management often assumes operational responsibility for implementation. Successful strategy implementation requires Change Management, performance control, stakeholder involvement, and anchoring in corporate culture.
Succession Planning
Succession Planning is systematic preparation for transitions in key positions. Management Consulting develops succession strategies to ensure continuity. Succession planning includes talent identification, targeted development, and timely transition planning.
T
Talent Management
Talent Management encompasses systematic identification, development, and retention of high performers and high potentials. Management Consulting develops talent management strategies to secure future leadership needs. Talent management includes potential analyses, targeted development, and succession planning.
Team Coaching
Team Coaching is guidance for teams to improve their collaboration, communication, and performance. Business Coaching offers team coaching to resolve team conflicts and increase team effectiveness. Team coaching promotes shared goals, clear roles, and constructive feedback culture.
Team Conflict
Team Conflicts arise from different opinions, interests, or work styles within a team. Team Coaching and Business Mediation help with constructive conflict resolution. Professional conflict management transforms destructive conflicts into productive discussions and strengthens team collaboration.
Team Dynamics
Team Dynamics describes the interactions, relationships, and processes within a team. In Team Coaching, dysfunctional dynamics are identified and positive patterns strengthened. Good team dynamics are characterized by trust, open communication, cooperation, and shared goal pursuit.
Time Management
Time Management encompasses methods and techniques for effective use of available time. In Business Coaching, leaders develop their time management competencies to increase leadership effectiveness. Good time management includes prioritization, delegation, planning, and balancing important versus urgent tasks.
Transformation
Transformation refers to profound, holistic changes in companies' strategy, structure, processes, and culture. Interim Management leads transformation projects, while Management Consulting provides conceptual support. Transformation requires comprehensive Change Management, strong leadership, and consideration of organizational culture.
Turnaround Management
Turnaround Management encompasses measures for restructuring and realigning companies in crisis situations. Interim Management often assumes operational leadership in turnaround situations. Turnaround management requires rapid decision-making, restructuring, crisis management, and often painful cuts.
W
Workplace Conflict
Workplace Conflict arises from different interests, opinions, or goals between employees, teams, or hierarchical levels. In Business Mediation, such conflicts are addressed through structured conflict resolution procedures. Professional mediation can sustainably resolve workplace conflicts and improve organizational culture.
Work-Life Balance
Work-Life Balance refers to the balanced relationship between work and personal life. In Business Coaching, leaders work on their personal balance. Good work-life balance improves health, motivation, performance, and is part of modern organizational culture.