Leadership Cornerstones
Itella Leadership Cornerstones form the basis for a unified way of leading throughout Itella. They define what is expected from a good leader in Itella and are value-based guidelines that all managers at all levels can lean on in daily work. Leadership Cornerstones are also used for target setting, evaluation and development of Itella managers.
Leadership becomes visible through determination of the direction by the means of performance management as well as through regular target & development discussions. Good Change Management is emphasized in the change situations in order to be able to carry the changes out effectively and successfully. Good leadership in all situations is the foundation of well-being at work.
The quality of leadership in Itella is evaluated annually through employee survey and by 360 degree feedback in the management and leadership development programs.
The Leadership Cornerstones at Itella are:
- Show the way
- Build trust
- Create cooperation
- Make success happen
Show the way
It is the manager's task to paint the big picture and turn strategy into concrete targets. Managers should also challenge and develop people, inspire them to excellent performance and call for action.
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"It is my task to remove those obstacles that prevent people from reaching their goals. I have learned to share the responsibility and power in daily matters and don't try to solve issues on behalf of others. I have noticed that by changing my own way of management, people's own level of competence has improved." Aku Happo, Director in Itella Mail Communications |
Build trust
Managers should treat people equally and with respect, lead by example, commit to decisions and act accordingly.
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“Building trust starts with a good working environment. I want to make my team feel valuable and show interest in their performance. I want to lead by example and try to challenge and develop my team in a good team spirit.” Franz Andersen, Sales Manager in Itella Logistics |
Create cooperation
It is the manager's task to ensure good team spirit, enhance networking and actively support cooperation between teams and units. Managers should also encourage the sharing of best practices.
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“I appreciate the professional skill of my team. They are experts who have a much deeper understanding about Itella’s different functions than I do. My role is to make sure that they have a setting and colleagues that enable good cooperation.” Helena Junttila, Service Manager in Itella Mail Communications |
Make success happen
A manager should empower people and ensure they reach their targets. Managers should also give positive and corrective feedback and be available and sensitive for people's varying needs for support and coaching.
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“In working life, change is a normal state, whether we want it or not. The environment changes quickly and we change in order to remain competitive. Employees often have much to give in change situations. Therefore it is worth including them in planning, strategy work and other important projects. Individual employees eventually implement the decisions that have been made. They also make a big effort step by step towards the long term objectives. It is important that the employee, as far as possible, participates in the decision-making, knows the reasons behind the decisions and is able to share his or her own opinion.” Anitta Laakkonen, Platform Manager in Itella Information |
