Leadership Greater Topeka: Tobias Schlingensiepen

TK: What was your first job and what did you learn from it? 

Feeding and watering Japanese quail and cleaning the cages in the research department of the Menninger Foundation.  I learned that I can endure foul odors and that hundreds of Japanese quail scream bloody murder if you play rock ‘n roll while you do your job but are attentive and peaceful when listening to Gregorian Chants.  Who knew?!

TK: What is the most important characteristic that every leader should possess? Why?

Facilitating communication.  Leadership assumes group effort. It is important to bring together diverse talents and strengths in order to achieve a common goal, and one that everyone can own.

TK: What motivates or inspires you? 

People’s willingness to be generous.