Othmar Nagl in conversation
DG Mag. Othmar Nagl | Photo: OÖ Versicherung
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Appreciation as the key to success: a conversation about openness, respect and teamwork.

Appreciation, openness, respect, openness in companies

At a time when efficiency and performance often take centre stage, the topic of appreciation is often neglected in everyday working life. But for our partner from the very beginning - Oberösterreichische Versicherung, headed by GD Othmar Nagl - this is a central aspect of its corporate culture and a key factor for long-term success. In this interview, #schongenial talks to GD Nagl about the importance of respect, openness and trust in the company, the influence of appreciation on employee motivation and creativity and how our society can develop more mindfulness again.

#schongenial: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us about the topic of appreciation. What does this term mean to you personally?

GD Othmar Nagl: For me, appreciation is a very important aspect of dealing with people, both privately and professionally. Above all, it's about being attentive and really recognising the other person. That means listening, having an open ear for the concerns of others and being polite and friendly. But that alone is not enough - it's also about respecting other opinions. I am someone who accepts criticism from everyone, because I believe that you can only really grow through openness. That's why it's important to me to create an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect in all areas - whether with colleagues, customers or in my private life.

#schongenial: How does your company, Oberösterreichische Versicherung, put the topic of appreciation into practice?

DG Othmar Nagl: Appreciation plays a major role in our company. We have our own catalogue of values, which sets out clear guidelines for treating each other with respect. Teamwork is also an essential part of our culture. It is particularly important to us that we have established a culture of making mistakes, in which we can talk openly about problems - especially about things that are not going so well. Because only through such openness can we improve as a team.

Trust is also a central component of our daily interaction. We are honest with each other and know that we can rely on each other even in difficult situations. This positive and appreciative attitude also has a direct impact on our cooperation and the success of the company. Not to forget: Our family-friendly corporate culture has already won several awards, which shows us that our values are also recognised externally.

#schongenial: What impact does this strong focus on appreciation have on the operational business and the long-term success of the company?

GD Othmar Nagl: The effects are clearly noticeable. One of the most visible consequences is the low staff turnover. This shows us that our employees feel comfortable with us and that we are on the right track as a socially minded employer. Of course, the current situation on the labour market is not easy, but so far we have always managed to find employees who fit in with our corporate culture and share these values.

Appreciation also plays a central role in our dealings with our customers. We listen carefully to our customers and try to understand their needs. This is the only way to offer customised insurance solutions that really help. Especially in the event of a claim, it is important not only to act quickly, but also to respect the customer's personal suffering. Our customers know that they can rely on us - and when they are satisfied, we are naturally delighted. Positive feedback from customers not only gives us a good feeling, it also strengthens our company's reputation. And a strong image is ultimately also an important factor for our success on the market.

#schongenial: Would you agree that appreciation also has a positive influence on employees' motivation, creativity and ability to build relationships?

GD Othmar Nagl: Absolutely. I firmly believe that appreciation plays a decisive role when it comes to forming a motivated and creative team. Personally, I am a great team player and believe that relationships within a team are incredibly important. We need to be able to support and rely on each other. This is the only way we can achieve top performance together.

Appreciation also ensures that people enjoy coming to work and are motivated to give their best. If employees feel that their work and opinions are valued, they are more willing to get involved and develop creative solutions. Creativity often stems from a feeling of security and trust, and this can only be fostered by an appreciative corporate culture.

#schongenial: Do you think there is a general lack of appreciation in our society? And if so, how could this be improved?

GD Othmar Nagl: Unfortunately yes, I think that appreciation and respect are often neglected in our society. One reason for this could be the increasing anonymity in social networks. Inhibitions are lowered there and respect is often lost. At the same time, we are seeing that we live in a society that promotes selfishness. From an early age, many people learn to market themselves instead of putting others first.

I think we should focus more on mindfulness and consideration again. I recently attended an event that focussed on mindfulness. We learnt how to train mindfulness there, which was a very exciting experience. Training courses like this should be offered much more often - both at work and at home. Because only through conscious mindfulness can we increase our appreciation for one another.

#schongenial: Thank you very much for the open dialogue and the personal insights!

It's nice to see so many positive things:
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