An article by by Martin Seiler, Director of Human Resources, Telekom Deutschland GmbH.
"Dog-eat-dog society": Perhaps few terms come up as often as this one does, whenever people talk about what it takes to enter and succeed in the workplace.
Referring to society as a whole, it also points right at individuals thinking "me first." The problem with "me first" is that while it might help you win the race, it will shut you out from the joy of sharing the journey with fellow human beings.
At Deutsche Telekom, we want to reach our goals together, and we want every employee to be able to apply his or her skills toward those goals. That's why we want our junior staff to begin learning to accept responsibility right away, as soon as they begin their training. What's more, we want all of us to grasp that our responsibility is not limited to our work for the company. It has a much larger context. When people assume responsibility in society – and otherwise go through life with their eyes and ears open – they find that life starts teaching them important things.
This idea plays a central role in our annual "Responsibility wins" competition for our trainees and our students on cooperative study programs. Participants in the competition are called on to choose a topic of importance to our society as a whole and then, in teams, to develop and carry out projects that move that topic forward in some way. In these days of much controversial discussion about certain "values," we want to help those who will shape our Group's future become more aware. Aware of how personal commitment can lead to positive changes. Aware of how we need to remember the needs of weaker members of our breakneck society. And aware of how a change of perspective can sharpen our understanding of our own actions.
For many of our junior staff, the projects carried out for this competition – in settings such as hospices, refugee aid centers and hospitals – have turned out to be unforgettable. A great many have felt that their participation has helped them grow and mature as individuals. This sort of personal growth is something we want to foster in all of us. It is tied to the way we view ourselves as a leading European telecommunications company, a company with people who are able to see and reflect on the larger picture around them.
For years now, groups in our training centers throughout Germany have been submitting increasing numbers of projects oriented to social concerns and ecological sustainability, thereby providing ample proof that virtues suche Telekom's sustainability strategy. And that's why we consider it so important to honor this commitment on the part of our junior staff – commitment that, while certainly desirable, is nothing to be taken for granted.
With our "Responsibility wins" competition, we want to help all of us lose our "blinders" and become more aware of the weak and vulnerable parts of our society that need to be remembered. Everyday kindness, in small things, elicits smiles and gratitude. Knowing that gives us an idea of how much our commitment is appreciated. When you find the courage and optimism to do things for others – for complete strangers, at first – and then do them for prolonged periods, you will be rewarded, with touching, heartfelt gratitude.
