#schongenial: Dr Hochleitner, thank you very much for taking the time to talk to us. We would like to start with the question: How important are mindfulness, respect and appreciation to you in your day-to-day management work at gswb?
Ferdinand Hochleitner : It makes no difference to me whether I am acting in a leadership role or working as a private individual in communities, such as the volunteer fire brigade in Wilhering.
My life experience has confirmed one thing to me time and again: As you call into the forest, so it echoes back - and this is particularly evident when you are in a leadership position.
#schongenial: Appreciation - you could say it's the new currency of management when it comes to attracting and retaining employees. How do you want to strengthen this appreciative attitude at gswb?
Ferdinand Hochleitner: I am deeply convinced that a corporate culture cannot be imposed or "only" demanded - it has to be exemplified on a daily basis. A culture of working together as equals is transmitted from the inside out, from managers to employees to our customers. An employee recently paid me the best compliment when he said: 'You're good for the company.
#schongenial: When you talk about leading by example - what exactly do you mean?
Ferdinand Hochleitner : There are a few very simple principles, such as never asking more of others than you are prepared to give yourself. Or that you keep your promises or own up to your mistakes. Of course, it is very important to build on the expertise and experience of employees and to involve them in the decision-making processes.
Then the spark ignites - as if by itself. I have also experienced this time and again in my professional life.
#schongenial: In a recent interview, you said that you are not particularly happy with the distinction between workers and employees.
Ferdinand Hochleitner: Yes, I said that because it makes no difference to me according to which collective agreement employees are categorised. For me, there are only important contributors to the overall success of the company.
- Everyone plays a central role, just like in clockwork.
- Everyone is responsible for their specific task and therefore for the success of the company as a whole. Colleagues must be able to rely on each other.
- It's like team sport. It requires the often-cited team spirit, because everyone is important for success.
#schongenial: Is it fair to say that as Managing Director you see yourself more as a coach than a superior, a boss?
Ferdinand Hochleitner: The tasks of our time can only be solved together. The increase in complexity and speed on the one hand, but also the increased expectations on the part of customers on the other, demand a high degree of personal responsibility on the part of individual employees and good co-operation between the individual players. Creating the framework conditions within which potential can unfold is the task of a modern management culture. Yes, I want to be the coach of a strong, successful team that is valued by customers.
#schongenial: Thank you very much for the interview and we would also like to thank you for making gswb a partner of #schongenial - the initiative for more appreciation in society.
Ferdinand Hochleitner: The aim of #schongenial - to bring more appreciation into society together - is a wonderful task that can only be supported, and we are pleased to be able to help make positive things more visible and aware. Because we have forgotten how to recognise the positive. But that doesn't mean that everything is good and should be seen with rose-tinted spectacles. There is nothing that cannot be improved. But there is also a great deal for which we can be sincerely grateful!
