Part I
Rethinking performance culture
Why the established performance model no longer works, why classic management fails on motivation and retention, and what performance culture really means.
The book · Wiley-VCH, September 2026 · in German
Wege zu einer neuen Leistungskultur
Das Praxishandbuch für Unternehmenserfolg und Mitarbeitermotivation in einer gesunden und zukunftsstarken Arbeitswelt
Performance has an image problem: many people now associate it with pressure, overload and burnout. Sophie Descollaz shows that business success and a healthy work culture belong together — and how companies can build a positive performance culture step by step.
Exclusively via this site: signed by the author and embossed with her name. €29.99 incl. VAT, €5.90 shipping within the EU, delivery in 3–7 working days.
- Publisher
- Wiley-VCH, Weinheim
- Published
- 2 September 2026 · 1st edition
- Format
- 320 pages, hardcover
- Language
- German
- ISBN
- 978-3-527-51279-9
what it is about
Rethinking performance — without pressure, with impact
Classic management tools often focus on short-term efficiency and isolated metrics. The result: motivation and retention come under pressure, good people leave and “performance” becomes a dirty word. The book sets out the alternative — a values-based, meaningful performance culture in which clear goals, measurable results and psychological safety work together.
At its core is a field-tested framework that systematically connects effective leadership, intrinsic motivation and high performance. A key tool are Impact Profiles: instead of rigid job titles, they give a clear picture of the tasks, skills and impact a person actually contributes — with direct consequences for people development, recruiting and resource planning.
Rather than abstract theory, the book is an operational guide with case studies, interviews and reflection questions — including a look at the employment-law side of performance measurement, new role models and AI in HR (German law).
who it is for
For everyone who won’t leave culture to chance
Executives
Increase performance and profitability without burning out the team — and use company culture as a strategic lever.
HR & people development
Understand turnover, retain talent and reorganise roles, skills and training with Impact Profiles.
Leaders
Lead teams effectively, including virtually: with trust, clear communication and a focus on results.
contents
Five parts, 15 chapters — from analysis to a culture people live
Part II
Paths to a new performance culture
The four dimensions of trust, communication, adaptability and results orientation, a modern understanding of leadership and a comparison of MbO, KPIs and OKRs.
Part III
Impact Profiles instead of job titles
What candidates and employees expect today, how Impact Profiles work and where multi-role profiles reach their limits.
Part IV
Guiding cultural transformation
Dealing with resistance, strengthening self-leadership and ownership, building a positive error culture and shaping change in uncertain times.
Part V
Establishing a positive performance culture
Analysing the status quo, winning internal advocates, case studies from organisations — and the role of AI in the performance culture of the future.
contributors
With contributions from research, law and business practice
Guest chapters, interviews and food for thought add perspectives from research, employment law and organisations of all sizes to Sophie Descollaz’s approach. The foreword is by futurologist Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg.
- Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg
- Nicole Beste-Fopma
- Christoph Mundt
- Selina Schröttle
- Katharina Baehr
- Johanna Reiland
- Inkeri Klomsdorf
- Arina Zonner
- Britta Loick
- Kiki Radicke
- Lisa-Charlotte Robben
- Sina Thomas
- Katharina Dutzi
“This is our moment. It is time not just to think about a new kind of performance, but to shape it boldly!”
Photo: © Bettina Volke
from book to practice
Put the ideas of the book into practice in your company
A book sets the direction — change happens in the team. In our workshop series for leaders, Sophie Descollaz and the certified Kinetics4n4® trainers translate the approaches of a positive performance culture to your organisation: in-house, in person and with measurable results.
Foundation workshop
1 day, up to 10 leaders: a shared understanding of positive performance culture and fresh impulses for effective leadership and motivation.
Advanced workshop
2 days plus 2 coaching sessions, up to 5 participants: putting it into everyday leadership with measurable KPIs.
Kinetics4n4®
The formula that connects performance management and employee retention — for companies with up to 500 employees.
the author
Sophie Descollaz
Sophie Descollaz is an expert in positive performance culture, people development and cultural transformation. She began her career at the United Nations in 1993, then worked as an intercultural consultant and HR lead for international companies in Germany. Today she runs trust in culture impact from the Netherlands and works with organisations across Europe.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions about the book
Where can I buy the book?
Signed copies are available exclusively here on this website: €29.99 incl. VAT plus €5.90 shipping within the EU. The book is also available from Wiley-VCH and bookshops (ISBN 978-3-527-51279-9).
What is special about copies from this website?
Every copy is signed by Sophie Descollaz and embossed with her name. This edition is only available here.
In which language and format was the book published?
In German, on 2 September 2026 by Wiley-VCH in Weinheim, as a 320-page hardcover.
What are Impact Profiles?
Impact Profiles describe employees not by a job title but by their tasks, skills and impact in the company. The book explains the concept, its benefits, prerequisites and limits, and what Impact Profiles mean for people development and recruiting.
Are there workshops based on the book?
Yes. The workshop series for leaders brings the approaches of a positive performance culture into your company — in-house and in person. Your contact is the certified trainer for your region.
Can we order several copies, for example for our leadership team?
Yes, simply order several copies via the order form.
Is there a free sample?
Yes, Wiley-VCH provides the first chapter and the table of contents as a free PDF (in German).