An Interview with Hans Tempel - CEO Mercedes Benz Australia on Responsible Leadership
Monday, June 27, 2011 at 3:16PM 
Today I had the pleasure of interviewing Hans Tempel, CEO of Mercedes Benz and Daimler in Australia about his thoughts on responsible leadership.
You can download the interview as a podcast here
Hans explains about the importance of leading from the top, particularly in large organisations. Also the importance of communicating with all stakeholders, including shareholders, staff, distributors, customers and the broader community.
It is about finding out the optimum for bringing the company forward. The target of the business is to generate profits and as a consequence allow employees to enjoy a secure workplace with sound salary and professional growth opportunities. Though the real responsibility is to ensure all stakeholders get their fair share.
Clarifying identity is important as a company for Mercedes with Daimler having 100% ownership of our company.
Next we needed to determine our mission - asking ourselves what is our mission which is defined as:
- Keep fascination of our brands shining
- Capture the customer, providing excellent product and service at prices that are justified - by giving customers more than they expected.
- Clarify our role as to what the Australian market needs - advocating the spirit in order to satisfy our mission and working within what the key stakeholders have available.
Next is the vision. We need to set a vision and plan that creates a perception amongst people that we are the most respected player in the automotive industry in Australia in six areas
The longest journey begins with a single step and Hans goes on to explain the importance of optimisation over the long term.
Working as a leader, if you are predictable, it is easy for staff to follow your actions. This is an important element for the long term sustainability of responsible leadership.
For considerable more detail, link to the interview above.
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