Why would you make a great effort to do something that doesn’t come naturally to you – probably not achieving satisfactory results – when there is somebody else out there who’s a genius at it? The “zone of genius” is a concept often used in the field of human resources to highlight that everyone has a unique quality that makes them natural at achieving remarkable outcomes for specific tasks.

Understanding and activating the strengths of individuals within a team consolidates leadership that allows for the incorporation of excellence at every level. Being able to identify and put to great use these unique skillsets is a prominent characteristic of transformational leaders, who are known for having the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions through strong essential, interpersonal skills such as active listening, decision-making, rapport, assertiveness, and empathy.

In addition, having a clear strategy that is well communicated to the team brings a strong sense of connection among co-workers, who are then driven by a common goal. Overall, individuals who are seen and valued for their authentic gifts aligned by a north star with other team members and inspired by a leader who seeks to transform, are ingredients for excellence.

Nevertheless, there is no perfect recipe. Especially in an everchanging market, being prepared to fail – and okay with it – is key to driving innovation. To create new things is a process of exploration and experimentation that ultimately will bring in new knowledge and know-how regardless of outcomes. And this also is excellence.

Louise Gorringe, Director of Association Management at Kenes Group, has vast experience leading teams. In the following short interview, she shared her view:

Watch, listen and learn about your team. Give them the opportunity to give their input and feedback. Recognise that no one is good at everything, and everyone is good at something and try to harness that strength. Involve the team in activities and projects outside of their role so there is space for their light to shine and you can see beyond their day-today performance.

Be clear about what excellence means for your team and share that vision. Lead from the front, reward efforts and strengths, not just results . Recognise that sometimes people have made enormous efforts, but circumstances might have impacted the results. See and respond to the small things, the everyday impact, and the small improvements and impacts the team is making in their daily role. Take the time to listen to the team sharing their successes no matter how small - it is still progress.

Setting a clear vision and expectations. Imparting that responsibility and giving the team the freedom whilst reassuring that support is there should it be needed.

Transformational leadership is about inspiring others by example and leading from any seat. To get people enrolled and motivated in teamwork, make sure to give them the opportunity to tap into their zone of genius, to be of service naturally. Meet their expectations at a higher level: not only salary and benefits but emotional satisfaction. Put your heart into your leading and your team will put theirs into their jobs.

The city on the Rhine has hosted numerous international congresses this autumn, including the European Congress of Pathology which was staged in the Congress Center Basel from 3 to 7 September 2022. And what was particularly gratifying was that, despite the conference being held as a hybrid event, almost 4,000 participants were welcomed in Basel in person.

Basel is Switzerland’s third-biggest city and has 200,000 inhabitants and a surface area of 37 km2, it boasts a vibrant social and cultural life and has one of the world’s most productive economies. The appeal of this region lies both in its unique position at the point where three countries meet – offering direct access to all the key transport routes and the world’s oceans – and in its long tradition as a science and research location. It is thus hardly surprising that those in charge opted for the city.

The choice also fell on Basel, however, because the Congress Center and Messe Basel are located in the heart of the city, offering participants a high-quality stay. As Raed Al Dieri puts it: “Participants can reach the Congress Center in 5 – 10 minutes on foot or by public transport, giving us some exercise while ensuring we are environmentally-friendly at one and the same time.” Apart from an opening ceremony introducing participants to the customs of their host country, attendees benefited from no fewer than 177 live sessions.