Have you always wanted to tell your boss what's on your mind? And find out first-hand what's going on? This is possible in the Business Administration holding area. Employees and managers regularly exchange ideas there.
Communication is one of those things these days. It feels like it's been ages since you've met some of your colleagues in the office, as many of them mainly work from home. Fortunately, communication via email, phone or Teams is also working well. However, it can become problematic in video conferences with a large number of participants. It is then often difficult for individuals to spontaneously make a statement.
The holding area ZB (Business Administration) has found a solution to ensure that everyone has their say and is regularly updated on the current state of affairs. "Talk to the Management" (TttM for short) is the name of the programme offered to employees.
The employees in area B are happy to take up the offer to talk to their senior managers (pictured: Dirk Weiße) I Photo: Achim Bachhausen
Sonja Krüll-Murawski explains how it works: "Once a month, one of the four divisional managers takes a good hour to talk to MS Teams. Firstly, the manager reports on what is currently on their mind. The employees can then ask questions about this and other topics that concern them. Holding division manager Dirk Kühn and the three division managers Jens Gerstner, Marcus Tonn and Dirk Weiße take turns."
The number of participants is limited so that everyone can have their say. Interested parties should register after the invitation has been sent out. "If more than 15 people register, a lottery will be held to decide who will take part," adds Karolina Krysa. "After that, the other applicants will be prioritised for the following three talk rounds," says Karolina Krysa. In this way, the chance of participation should be equal for all colleagues.
And what do the employees say about the offer? one asked for their opinions:
"I liked the 'Talk to the Management' as it was not a lecture, but all participants had the opportunity to ask their own questions. In addition, interesting insights were gained into the personal CVs of the division managers. There was also a pleasant dialogue atmosphere, so that managers were perceived as equals without hierarchical distance."
"I believe that TttM is a format that offers the opportunity, especially in times of coronavirus, to informally discuss topics with a manager and colleagues from other areas and thus gain new impetus and get to know other perspectives."
"I really enjoyed taking part in the 'Talk to the Management' format. I found the direct exchange with a senior manager at eye level and the opportunity to receive first-hand information on current projects and topics very exciting. I'm looking forward to continuing the format this year and exchanging ideas with other senior managers."
"I found the format very positive. I found the mix of informal discussions and the brief information on current topics and projects from the perspective of the managers exciting. I think it's good that the exchange will continue in 2022."
"I find the dialogue rounds very informative and entertaining. The format really breaks down the feeling of rigid hierarchical levels because it also offers informal information, for example a personal insight into the careers of our senior managers. We are mainly working remotely, so a virtual exchange is very useful and strengthens the sense of togetherness in Business Administration."
"I liked the 'Talk to the Management' as it was not a lecture, but all participants had the opportunity to ask their own questions. In addition, interesting insights were gained into the personal CVs of the division managers. There was also a pleasant dialogue atmosphere, so that managers were perceived as equals without hierarchical distance."
"I believe that TttM is a format that offers the opportunity, especially in times of coronavirus, to informally discuss topics with a manager and colleagues from other areas and thus gain new impetus and get to know other perspectives."
Both German and English comments appear here.
Creative idea, great thing! Would also be something for the other SBUs - let's go with it! Thanks for the great contribution!