Thoughts about forming a great team

2020 will mark the end of the decade, but a new era has already begun. The 2010s brought our digital life to the forefront, from wearables and streaming services to ubiquitous connectivity, and digital health. However, technology isn’t everything. As the end of the year approaches, I would like to take stock and to examine our success and progress as individuals in a global society, and as a company.

Demographic changes in society are reflected in every industry, and healthcare is no exception. With the majority of medical school applicants being women and people of color, the next generation of doctors will be more diverse than ever before. You might think this development is long overdue; nevertheless, it is still great news. That’s why, in this year's review, I would like to share some thoughts on diversity and inclusion.

A team that can tap into the different experiences and skills of its players can achieve great things. I believe this is how Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse must have felt when his team won the NBA finals (as the first Canadian team ever). Some of you know that I used to play basketball myself, and I am amazed by the way the Raptors became champions this year. The Raptors are hailed as the NBA’s “global team”, with star players from seven countries and diverse backgrounds. Analysts have long stated that the most diverse NBA teams are the most successful ones, and the Raptors convincingly proved that point.

I am convinced that their approach is also essential for the long-term success of any business that wants to attract and retain the best talents. With a team of over 50,000 people from 120 countries, we would be amiss if we failed to make the most of our opportunities by leveraging the cultural diversity that is inherent in our enterprise for the company’s development. That’s the key ingredient in creating a space for innovation that makes a global company like ours unbeatable.

We can be diverse on paper, but unless we continue to create an inclusive environment where people are valued for their contributions, we will not be sustainable. We need to understand that we all have the same rights and responsibilities, and that it is in our mutual interest to create solutions together – it’s just smarter.

How are we doing? We have initiated an independent assessment program to certify Siemens Healthineers as a “Great Place to Work”. Employees anonymously assess, among others, the essential criteria of diversity and inclusiveness. We are learning where there is room for improvement and how we can scale best practices throughout our company. This year, we have achieved that certification in the four countries that account for the majority of our employees – now, we proceed with other countries.

One best-practice that comes into my mind is this year’s Cultural Vistas Corporate Leadership Award. We were recognized for the international exchange opportunities we have created in the healthcare sector. Over the last few years, almost 300 interns from 30 countries have taken part in our program and were embedded in 20 of our locations across the US. They talk about that experience here:

Are we working in a perfect environment at Siemens Healthineers? One of the toughest things to do is to analyze your own weaknesses. Awareness of our own stereotypes in dealing with people who are different is an ongoing process that requires each of us to accept accountability.

Humans developed from tribal communities, but this outlook has long outlived its usefulness. For an international company in a highly connected world, it is a dead end. We are combatting implicit bias and prejudice with specially developed training courses with the help of experienced coaches. Already more than 4,000 employees have voluntarily taken part in the training program, “Ouch! This stereotype hurts!”. Now, the goal is to scale such initiatives globally and increase their reach.

Each of us must take an honest look at the significance a diverse environment has – and should have – for ourselves as individuals, and the company as a whole. This is an ongoing process. As the former CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer, says, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”

In 2020 and beyond, let’s change the game by embracing and fostering more diversity and inclusion. And be champions, like the Toronto Raptors did in 2019.

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Before we start into 2020, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our teams, partners, customers, shareholders, and everyone who has been following and engaging with my updates here on LinkedIn!

I wish you relaxing festivities and a prosperous and joyous New Year!  

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