Italians expect their leaders to genuinely know what they are doing—not in the abstract, but visibly and substantively. If you lead a team, you are expected to understand the work at a deep level. You do not need to do every task yourself, but you must demonstrate that you understand it, that you could engage with it, that your authority is grounded in real knowledge and ability. A leader who has strong management skills but no command of the substance will struggle for credibility.
This is not about micromanaging; it is about showing that your position rests on something real. Credentials help, but ongoing demonstration matters more. The leader who stays close to the work, who shows they understand what their people do, maintains authority naturally.
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