Trust, Respect, Balance: What Leadership Means to Us
[Commitments and Society] Published 08-03-2023
The outcome of a respectful environment is better decision-making
When women at Gunnebo talk about leadership, some common themes emerge
International Women’s Day (March 8) marks the first anniversary of Gunnebo’s Women in Leadership Initiative, which aims to empower women managers through professional coaching and advice. The initiative is part of our commitment to double the number of women in management roles across the business.
When women at Gunnebo talk about leadership, some common themes emerge:
Trust
“What distinguishes Gunnebo from other companies is that it succeeds in creating a working environment characterised by security and inclusion,” says Cheima Ordasi, Application Process Manager in Gothenburg, Sweden.
“At Gunnebo, my line manager showed great trust in me as a person and as a leader. He supported me when I needed help and he showed that it is perfectly okay to be wrong. That gave me a great sense of security and also made me think that I should treat my team the same way.”
Walking the walk goes a long way in business, because doing what you say helps creates trust. “The best ideas come from everyone in a collaborative way,” says Kate Clark, VP Business Development in London. “At Gunnebo, we foster an environment where people can be open, where everyone is listened to and ideas are shared.”
Anna Wu, VP Finance in Ohio, USA, agrees: “Leadership for me starts with setting a good example – actions speak louder than words. I find it much easier to connect and build trust with people if they can see I mean what I say. To lead, people have to believe in you, and we have to earn their trust – not only with our abilities, but also by showing we care.”
Clockwise from top left: Cheima Ordasi, Anna Wu, Kate Clark, Sunayana Patil, Alessandra Montesardo, Elisabeth Whitefield
Respect
“Leading a team means keeping the group together with the special glue of passion, respect, empowerment and empathy,” says Alessandra Montesardo, Finance Director for Operations in Lavis, Italy. “There is no need to show off how clever you are – respect will come automatically if you finish every day leaving others with a good memory of you and your actions.”
The outcome of a respectful environment is better decision-making, says Sunayana Patil, Quality Assurance Manager in Mumbai, India. “Each individual will feel committed if their leaders believe in the team, enable direct reports to grow, facilitate teamwork and provide autonomy.”
Elisabeth Whitefield, General Manager for EverydaySafe in Gothenburg, Sweden, adds: “Leadership at Gunnebo is about respect and genuine care for the individual as well as the team. In turn, trust is created by transparency, an open dialogue and leading by example. Individuals in a team build on each other’s strengths; we grow together by supporting each other to face challenges.”
Balance
To thrive at work, we also need time for what we care for outside the office, Elisabeth says: “Leadership is about enabling a good work-life balance and encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle, leading by example.”
It is important to create a workplace where you want to be part of, Kate says. “Enjoy what you are doing and making, you need to enjoy it. We know you are not always going to, but if most days we do, then that’s a good thing.”
Diversity and inclusion are a strategic priority for Gunnebo Group, says Stefan Syren, Gunnebo’s President & CEO. “Leadership training initiatives at Gunnebo are essential for our people to develop and grow. Women in Leadership is about harnessing the enormous potential of women in the security industry. I look forward to developing and welcoming more women into leadership roles at Gunnebo.”
For more information about working for Gunnebo, click here.