When was the last time at EnBW that you realized you simply had to take the lead with courage? How did you experience that moment, and what effect did it have on you and those around you?
Courageous role Model: That was a real turning point for me. In a situation where everything was unclear and no one really knew how to proceed, I simply spoke openly about what was on my mind, even though it was uncomfortable. I realized how much it helps when someone takes the first step and stays honest, even when things aren’t going perfectly.
Of course I was unsure, but that’s exactly what motivated me to take on responsibility and try new approaches. Mistakes were made, but we learned a lot from them as a team. The best part was seeing how others dared to contribute their own ideas and take on responsibility. For me, leading with courage doesn’t mean knowing everything, but simply taking action and staying open-minded—and that’s exactly what inspires others.
I’ve seen how much of a difference it can make when I just take the lead with courage and stay honest, not only within the team, but also when interacting with our customers. When I take responsibility and communicate openly, others sense it immediately. That’s how trust is built, and it’s precisely from that trust that genuine closeness and partnership grow.
Here's what's behind it:
- Is open for new things, shows awareness in dealing with opportunities and risks and courageously enters unknown territory
- Communicates and acts openly and transparently
- Commits himself and others to addressing and resolving conflicts
- Actively lives a positive error culture and is willing to work on joint solutions in the event of his own mistakes and the mistakes of others
- Follows words with deeds and stands up for calues and beliefs
Is there a moment when you really felt how important our customers’ perspective is? How did that influence you, and what did you take away from it for your day-to-day work?
Customer advocate: I’m constantly reminded of how much it matters when I truly put myself in our customers’ shoes. Recently, during a conversation, I realized how important it is not just to look at numbers, but to listen: What do people need right now? Since then, I’ve been asking more often what really matters to our customers and incorporating their perspective into my decisions.
What I enjoy most is working on new solutions together with colleagues and sometimes directly with customers. It feels great when, in the end, something is created that is truly needed. For me, that means staying open-minded, asking questions, and exploring new paths so that we can continue to be there for our customers in the future.
Especially in a constantly changing world, it becomes clear how important it is not only to respond to current needs but also to think ahead in a visionary and strategic way.
Here's what's behind it:
- Builds long-term and sustainable relationships with customers
- Emphathizes with customers and shows a comprehensive understanding of customers' needs
- Aligns decisions with customer needs and feedback
- Encourages others to consistently align their actions with added value for customers
- Uses co-creation techniques to develop specific solutions for our customers
What inspires you to explore new paths for EnBW’s future? How do you contribute your ideas to ensure our long-term success?
Visionary and Strategist: Sometimes all it takes is a small spark to get me thinking about new ideas for the future, for example, a conversation with colleagues or a look at market trends. I believe in working together to figure out how to make our vision a reality while also thinking long-term.
This is how we develop strategies that not only work today but also move us forward tomorrow and make EnBW fit for the future.
Here's what's behind it:
- Thinks ahead and defines future-proof action plans
- Absorbs enthusiasm for jointly defined goals
- Penetrates complecity and focuses on a few clear priorities, does not get bogged down
- Aligns activities with the overarching vision and strategy
When was the last time your enthusiasm for new things inspired others?
Driving force for change: I remember a moment when I brought up a new idea, and suddenly the whole team started contributing their thoughts and making their own suggestions. It was really fun to see how much energy could come from such a small change.
I try to lead by example with a positive attitude and encourage others to try new things. Sure, sometimes things don’t go perfectly, but we learn from that together. The best part is when we realize as a team that we can really make a difference together and that EnBW is constantly breaking new ground as a result.
Here's what's behind it:
- Rethinks existing approaches and processes and motivates others to do the same
- Attacks global trends (AI, Digital Business Development, Internationalization, Gen. Z, ...) actively on
- Lives a culture of experimentation and continuous learning, also with new learnings formats
- Promotes excellence and continuous improvement of the status quo
- Independently helps shape change processes
- Supports others during change processes (e.g. digitalization) through ongoing dialogue, competence development, etc.
The EnBW Skill Compass serve as a compass in our day-to-day work. They provide direction and encourage us to try new approaches from time to time. Most importantly, the Guidelines invite us to learn from one another and to continually break new ground together as a team. This is how we work together to shape the future of EnBW. Learn more now: