Miloš Říha: Encourage Inclusivity and Cultivating Positive Environment
Miloš Říha, General Manager of Operation at DENSO CZECH s.r.o. (DNCZ)
Profile
Milos joined DENSO in 2007 and gained expertise in operational functions. He is responsible for several departments, including HR, General Affairs, Purchasing, Production/Production Engineering, Quality, Facility, Health, Safety & Environment (HSE).
Currently, Milos is in charge of the operational section, which is responsible for managing the company's strategic resources, systems, rules, and support functions, all of which are crucial for the company's success.
Where he works
DENSO Czech has been operating in the Czech market for 20 years. It's a smaller DENSO branch that successfully blends its corporate culture with local capabilities. The company's most valuable asset is its employees, who possess strong knowledge of DENSO's history and culture.
The company is located in Zruč nad Sázavou. It produces and handles electric motors for various automotive applications such as power windows, car ventilation, power steering, wiper systems, throttle control, power seats, radiator fans, and servo motors.
Building strong bonds of camaraderie and trust among colleagues
"Listen before you act. Think before you react. Earn before you spend. Wait before you criticize. Forgive before you pray. Before you give up, at least try.”
As a global company, DENSO is powered by its talent's diversity, merging its global identity with local cultures. This collaborative mindset underpins all our achievements and shapes our culture, atmosphere, and relationships. The quote from Ernest Hemingway has often helped me. It has been my guiding principle, coupled with the driving force behind my motivation: the camaraderie and trust I share with my colleagues.
Embracing challenges to foster growth and development
In my experience, I have found that I thrive when faced with challenges. The thought of continuously performing the same tasks in the same manner for an extended period is something I find difficult to envision.
I have experience with challenges in my natural area (business and marketing). Still, the main challenges came when I took on new areas of responsibility, such as HR 12 years ago and PR/Quality responsibility three years ago. One of my most difficult tasks involved managing sections requiring technical knowledge, which I am not so strong in. To solve this, I have always used my popular pillars as a base approach: System, Communication, and Respect. This approach has been effective.
Other example, we encountered numerous challenges such as business constraints, cultural disparities, and market conditions. The significant changes in our company's business portfolio created uncertainty among employees and presented difficulties in managing change. The primary concern is the potential for employees to leave due to these uncertainties. To address this, we implemented new communication channels, enhanced information sharing, and utilized visual aids. Regular leader sessions played a crucial role in supporting this strategy.
I have always enjoyed such challenges, and they have pushed me forward for growth and development. Throughout my 17-year career at DENSO, I have encountered and successfully navigated numerous challenges, and I look forward to facing and overcoming more in the future.
Creating a positive atmosphere through effective communication.
Individuals are important, but we can reach the actual effect if the members are team players. Even “individuals” are stronger in a good team.
We were dealing with a typical situation where the system was set up but not running correctly, and there was conflict between departments. The solution was quite simple: we created a multi-departmental team with increased participation and involvement from various departments, established a clear structure and responsibilities, and the results quickly followed.
I can be strict about following rules and maintaining order, but I always strive to create a positive atmosphere through effective communication. I want my team members to feel comfortable organizing their work and personal lives and to take responsibility while also being able to approach me when needed.
Promoting inclusivity where everyone feels respected
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion shouldn't even be a topic in an ideal world. It should just be the norm, and we wouldn't have to talk about differences and fairness. But our current society isn't perfect, so having these discussions showing respect and creating an inclusive environment for our colleagues is essential. We want to make a work environment where everyone feels respected.
I have always worked for companies where diversity was the norm. As a part of my vision, "System, Communication, and Respect," I consider respect for all individuals to be an integral part of my life. It makes our lives more interesting to have the possibility to meet and work with colleagues who are different from me. Such an environment is normal for me, and I am happy that DENSO brings up these topics and creates a respectful working environment.
What do you like about DENSO?
DENSO offers a wide range of opportunities for both personal and professional development. The company is led by a talented and diverse group of individuals who not only steer the company's future success but also contribute to the company’s rich history and heritage.
Working with Miloš
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Karel Šimek,
General Manager of PC, Logistic, TIE and IT
at DENSO CZECH s.r.o. (DNCZ)
I have had the pleasure of working with Miloš and meeting with him regularly throughout his time at our company. I respect and recognize him as an excellent, accommodating, and very competent colleague. Together, we have experienced numerous changes, both positive and less positive, alongside our plant. Even in rare instances of differing perspectives, working with him is a truly enjoyable and enriching experience.
Our company is relatively small within the entire DENSO group, and as a result, Miloš holds a wide portfolio of responsibilities, which he manages with exceptional skill, thanks to his excellent organizational abilities and exemplary approach to his tasks and roles in the company.
I appreciate his approach, firm principles, and systematic approach. I respect him as a person, colleague, and friend within our DENSO family. He is a person who honors the DENSO Spirit, setting a positive example and consistently striving for the future development of our company and its people. He is a great DENSO leader and a reliable business partner.