Seven weeks we were here, my wife and I, in Australia. A workation: a bit of vacation, a bit of everyday life. And above all, family.
The return flight takes us via Singapore. After changing planes there, we are on a Lufthansa flight. Back then in Corporate Business, and now again on the return journey from Australia, I always had the feeling of already being a little bit home when I sat on a Lufthansa plane. A felt sense of belonging.
I have flown Lufthansa countless times for work. Often after a demanding week, often between continents, and often with a lot of responsibility in my luggage. The return flights were moments to breathe.
In those moments, Lufthansa became a cultural soundscape: language, tone, humor with a “German” signature as an emotional anchor point.
The flights themselves were spaces between worlds. Over the years, I shaped the “coming home again” into a ritual with a familiar rhythm. And now the Lufthansa aircraft feels like a small bridge between two worlds.
“Prepare for Landing”: that’s how the title of my book begins. It has become a metaphor for me. Arriving consciously, shaping transitions, providing orientation, enabling resonance.
Leadership means preparing landings: for oneself, for teams, for organizations. My sense of belonging lies in recognition and in returning.
And now I am back in Germany.
My question: Which rituals help you arrive consciously?
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Strong intercultural leadership enables global teams to achieve outstanding results with clarity, trust, and impact. In my book, you will find four concrete guiding principles that help strengthen collaboration across cultures. I am Bernd Scharbert, and I am happy to support you.
The book is not a book about Lufthansa, but it does appear in a not insignificant supporting role. Indirectly, in the title.
The e-book, „Prepare for Landing: Leitlinien für interkulturelle Führung“ is available at the online shop of Verlag Barbara Budrich as well as the print version. In German language, though, as I am now working on the English translation.
And if you are from Frankfurt, you will also find it on display at Hugendubel and at Thalia in the MTZ, both upstairs in the “Business, Law and Management” section.
