Bent’s story: learning to lead
Life at Systemair
Moving from a colleague to Group Leader brought Bent Kristoffersen a new kind of challenge: leading people he had previously worked alongside. It meant building confidence, earning trust in a different way and learning that leadership does not mean carrying everything yourself.
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From colleague to leader
Bent joined Systemair with experience as a qualified toolmaker, internal salesperson and product specialist. But becoming a Group Leader in the Assembly Department was new territory.
“When I joined Systemair, I came with a lot of experience from previous roles, but stepping into a Group Leader position was a completely new challenge.”
The biggest transition was becoming a leader to people who had previously been his colleagues.
“That required me to build confidence in myself and earn trust in a different way.”
Support from colleagues and management helped. Bent particularly valued having an experienced colleague as a sparring partner during his first year.
“Together, we complement each other well, and that support gave me confidence during a period where I was learning every day.”
Working together is a strength
Before joining Systemair, Bent experienced a period of severe stress. At the time, he was carrying responsibilities that would normally be shared between several people and he found it difficult to switch off.
Today, he is better at recognising his limits and asking for help.
“I’ve learned that carrying everything yourself is not a strength. Working together is.”
He has put that thinking into practice at Systemair. When a new kitchen fan was introduced without sufficient instructions or documentation, Bent and a fellow Group Leader brought their assembly teams together to establish a common understanding of how to implement it.
Speaking up helped the group find a practical way forward, and Bent says the approach was well received by colleagues and production management.
He has taken a similar approach more broadly, initiating a dialogue across the organisation about challenges on the production floor and bringing together people from production, R&D, sales and senior management.
For Bent, that willingness to solve problems together is an important part of working with his colleagues. There is room for humour, while still staying professional and focused on the work.
I’ve learned that carrying everything yourself is not a strength. Working together is.
Learning about people
Leadership has also taught Bent that people approach work differently. “Some naturally focus on opportunities, while others tend to see challenges first.”
Rather than trying to change everyone, Bent focuses on what he can influence.
“One of the biggest lessons for me has been understanding that I cannot change everyone’s mindset, but I can influence the atmosphere around me through my own attitude.”
Perhaps that is the clearest change in Bent’s working life. Development is no longer about having every answer or taking every responsibility onto his own shoulders. It is about continuing to learn, knowing when to ask for help and giving other people room to contribute.
Tomorrow will bring another challenge. Bent does not expect otherwise. He is simply learning to meet it differently.