Personally, I believe courage will be a topic in 2016. All HR teams have access to technology and knowledge. But courage can’t be bought, only summoned. Today, Steve at TMP, Helge at Covestro and Fabio at Ferrero will tell us their story. Welcome to doors 13 to 15!

Enjoy some insightful reflection about “favorite mistakes”, and a preview at what HR experts all over the world have up their sleeves for 2016!

-Julian & the APOLLO blog team in Berlin and Stockholm

Door 13: Steve’s call for courage

Who: Steven Z. Ehrlich

Role: Global Vice President, Client Development – Innovation & Strategy at TMP Worldwide

Where: London, UK

Question 1: What was your favorite mistake this year? The one you learned the most from.

Clear and effective communication is one of the most critical success factors in business and in life. The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has actually happened. What I mean is too often we think that we have clearly articulated our thoughts to our audience and that they truly understood what we said. In fact, what frequently happens is that our colleagues do not fully comprehend our messages for one of a number of reasons; poor articulation on our part, reluctance to ask questions about something they didn’t understand, cultural differences, and other related factors.

So, what was my mistake this year? I failed to remember that just because someone says, “Yes,” it doesn’t mean they actually agree with you. As an American living in Europe and part of a global company, I like to think that I’m fairly well versed in the cultural nuances of the different countries in which we operate. But I sometimes forget the subtle variations in our conversational styles.

This year, I found myself in a situation where I failed to grasp what was being communicated to me, and because of that I almost (almost!) lost the opportunity to partner with an organization on their employer brand efforts. Lesson learned. I won’t make that mistake again.

Question 2: What is the one thing that companies should dare to do more in 2016?

Companies have talked for years about the need for trust and transparency, the importance of content and storytelling, and the desire for an excellent candidate experience. Too often, however, companies have failed to deliver what candidates really want because they are too cautious and conservative.

With the looming skills gap and talent shortfall, companies can no longer seek parity with their competitors; they need to leapfrog beyond them in the war for talent. In 2016, companies need to be bolder and must fully embrace the idea of true innovation. Fail forward. Fail fast. Be Brave. Why? Because remarkable outcomes rarely result from modest risk.

Get in touch with Steve on LinkedIn.

Door 14: Helge’s 16,000 people start-up

Who: Helge Kroll

Role: HR Manager at Covestro

Where: Leverkusen, Germany

Question 1: What was your favorite mistake this year? The one you learned the most from.

Life is about choices. And I’ve decided to change the company.  Something I should have done earlier. Not because of the differences or similarities of the two companies, but because of the challenges and opportunities.

What I’ve learned so far is, that you do not really know where a road will lead you until you take it. To identify and create options is important as well as to trust yourself and make that decision too.

Question 2: What is your one most ambitious plan for 2016?

We are, Covestro now is, a start up with over 16,000 employees and 30 production sites around the globe, formerly known as Bayer Material Science.

Together with my HR-Colleagues in the different countries I´m keen on working on the further development of our Employer of choice position.

Get in touch with Helge on LInkedIn.

Door 15: Fabio about a baby boomer misunderstanding and his global mission

Who: Fabio Dioguardi

Role: Global Employer Branding & Talent Acquisition Director at Ferrero

Where: Luxembourg

Question 1: What was your favorite mistake this year? The one you learned the most from.

My favorite mistake has caused a “political” accident with the local HRBP of Brazil. It is an amazing one today to remember.

During a video conference aimed to explain and “sell” the launch of a project to develop a digital recruiting process, I told to the HRBP, a very good one but belonging to “baby boomers” generation: “you are for sure a follower of the linkedIn page of Ferrero and you know how we broadcast the last talent campaign”.

He stopped smiling and sat down without participating in the discussion. He didn’t know the word “follower” and he took it as an insult. It took time to clear up and to settle the relation and his engagement to the project. I have really learned how it is important to care for the non digital to make them feel comfortable and open to learn.

Question 2: What is your one most ambitious plan for 2016?

I have a chance. I have been given the task to lead a digital transformation of HR at a global level. Very challenging. So, the ambition is very clear for next year. I have to succeed in driving the change and being recognized globally as subject expert matter in digital processes.

Get in touch with Fabio on LinkedIn.

The next 3 doors: Coming up on Dec 16th…

…so if you like to hear more stories, join us here, on the APOLLO blog. Our motto is Applying Online & Loving It, and that’s why we like to share data, best practices and opinions on employer branding and the candidate experience!

Read doors 1 to 3

Read doors 4 to 6

Read doors 7 to 9

Read doors 10 to 12

Read doors 16 to 18

Read doors 19 to 21

Read doors 22 to 24

 

About the blogger: Julian Ziesing, candidate experience believer since 2002, and Head of Business Development at global market research firm Potentialpark, Berlin.

Get in touch with Julian on LinkedIn.