Sönke Marx: Open-Minded Leadership and the Significance of Listening

The constant pursuit of improvement is a driving force in my personal and professional life. Grounded in this motivation, I consistently ask myself how we can improve and what actions can be taken to achieve that improvement.

In this pursuit, the guiding motto “Be here now” resonates strongly with me. Research suggests that the average German skilled worker can focus on a single task for a mere 47 seconds—an alarmingly short period that hampers the potential for high-quality work. To counteract this trend, I emphasize the importance of being fully present and engaged in the current activity. By staying focused and attentive, I strive to optimize the quality and effectiveness of my work.

Challenges have always been an integral part of my professional journey. I appreciate them as accelerators for personal growth and developing a mature personality. When I think of challenges, I envision movement. Challenges propel us forward, pushing us to explore uncharted territories beyond our limits.

Stepping into the unknown realm of DNAE required me to step out of my comfort zone—a decision I do not regret in the slightest. DNAE provided an environment where experimentation and learning were encouraged, allowing me to thrive in the face of challenges.

However, finding a balance and ensuring that challenges do not permanently strain us is crucial, as this can be counterproductive. Just as important is the existence of a “comfort zone” within our job, which replenishes our strength and prepares us for new endeavors.

As a leader, it is crucial to possess a comprehensive set of competencies and tools akin to a “vendor’s tray.” I believe that two essential qualities in this tray are being open-minded and recognizing the significance of listening over speaking.

The qualities mentioned align perfectly with the guiding principle of “First the diagnosis and then the recipe.” Our upbringing, education, and cultural backgrounds often eagerly shape us to share our opinions and viewpoints. However, I strongly believe that it is paramount to prioritize active listening with an open mind, embracing diverse perspectives, and valuing the experiences of those around before offering advice or engaging in debates.

As a manager or leader carries a role model function, they often have to embrace challenges. When initiating new endeavors and facing challenges, the fear of failure often looms for many people. But what does failure truly mean? Failure only occurs when we become too attached to our desires. By remaining open-minded and ready to deviate from our original path and dynamically respond to new circumstances, failure becomes an alien concept. For me, the biggest risk lies not in failing but rather in not trying at all.

Among the various DENSO values, three stand out to me: diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am genuinely pleased to witness the progress made in recent years in these areas, but it is evident that there is still work to be done.

As we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, we commit to nurturing their growth and professional advancement. Our aim should be to foster a deeper understanding of one another, enabling us to embrace diversity and integrate every individual accordingly. Letting go of the notion that our worldview is the only valid one is crucial in this process. When we actively seek to understand and appreciate different perspectives, opinions, and forms of diversity, we enrich ourselves personally and become more valuable to both ourselves and the company we represent.

What I appreciate about DENSO is the internationality and multiculturalism that such a large company offers. By working with many cultures, I am constantly developing myself, which I appreciate very much.

I also like the exciting field of work, and I am grateful that DENSO trusts me and that I can work very independently. Working with the latest technologies and contributing to autonomous driving greatly enrich me.