Good communication in change projects
Why well-intentioned communication sometimes has the opposite effect… What makes change communication so challenging? As change managers, we are often asked to take on the communication in strategic projects. Employees should be sensitized to changes, understand and accept measures – and often a so-called “mindset shift” is desired. Deeply ingrained behavioral norms, attitudes and opinions […]
Myths about working from home – how to do it right!
The coronavirus pandemic has radically changed our working world. Many companies are now pushing their employees back into the office – often with the argument of productivity. But is this the right approach? The scientific evidence suggests otherwise. What we need now are tailored concepts for the optimal working environment for each organization. The productivity […]
How can medium-sized companies develop comprehensive HR work?
HR work in medium-sized companies often grows organically: the initial focus is on payroll accounting, with recruiting and other modules such as salary development programs or talent promotion being added at a later stage. But what is often missing? A systematic link between HR tools, business strategy and corporate culture. At Breitenstein Consulting, we see […]
TARGET OPERATING MODEL for HR – A medium-sized company perspective
The term “Target Operating Model” (TOM) is currently on everyone’s lips – especially in the HR departments of large corporations. The discussion is usually conducted from a corporate perspective. But what does this concept actually mean for industrial SMEs? Is it even applicable to them? A critical examination from the field shows: it depends. What […]
“But rather?” – A small word with a big impact
It’s easy to say something negative: “I don’t like that.” “I don’t want it that way.” Many people find it easier to express their disapproval than to clearly articulate their desires. As a result, it often remains unclear what the real issue is – what the actual needs and expectations are. This is where the […]
“What went well and why?” – A small question with a big impact
In our daily work, we often tend to focus on what is not going well. However, there is a simple yet effective method for changing our focus and bringing about positive long-term change: regularly ask yourself (and others) “What went well and why?”This question consciously draws your attention to successes and at the same time […]
YES and NO – two sides of the same coin
In our professional and private lives, it often seems tempting to respond to new opportunities and projects with a resounding “Yes!” But behind every “Yes!” there is always a “No.” A “No” to the alternatives that you are thereby excluding. This principle is crucial for effective time management, prioritization, and goal-oriented work. Saying “yes” to […]
“Not yet” – a small addition with a big effect
In our daily work or in interpersonal conversations, we often hear statements like “I can’t do it” or “It won’t work.” Such sentences often reflect blockades that seem insurmountable. This is precisely where the word “yet” can make a crucial difference. Problems are solutions that have not yet been found. With the simple addition of […]
Respectful Inquiry – The Art of Questioning and Listening
Leadership is not just about making decisions and giving orders. One of the most effective techniques for increasing employee engagement and motivation is to ask open-ended questions and listen carefully – a concept known as respectful inquiry. Why open-ended questions make a difference Open-ended questions address three key needs of employees that are crucial to […]
Start – Stop – Continue: Improving team meetings through targeted feedback
The “Stop – Start – Continue” method is a simple yet effective technique for evaluating and continuously improving team meetings. It provides a clear structure that teams can use to quickly and specifically reflect on what is going well in their meetings, what should be changed and which approaches should be retained. Three steps for […]
Strategic and sustainable HR work for SMEs
Mr. Gisdakis is one of the partners of Breitenstein Consulting. Mr. Gisdakis: Why is strategic HR work so important for SMEs in particular? SMEs are particularly affected by the shortage of skilled workers. Since the coronavirus pandemic, corporations have been increasingly moving into the regions and competing with local companies for scarce workers. Why does […]
(HOME) OFFICE – Our successful self-experiment
The debate is becoming increasingly controversial: How do you get employees back into the office? On the one hand:The corona lockdowns have given virtuality in management – and thus home office – the long-awaited boost. Many employees have adapted their lives accordingly: Integration of work and family. No more long journeys and travel costs. More […]
Get to know Martin Kempen.
Welcome to Breitenstein Consulting! We are pleased to introduce our latest addition: Martin Kempen. He has been part of our team since May 2023 and brings a wealth of expertise and experience with him. In a short interview to get to know him, Martin shares insights into his background, his goals and his working style. […]
Turning point in employer branding – true beauty comes from within!
The term “turning point” is stolen – just like the slogan of a cosmetics company in the 1980s. But it’s not too far-fetched for the developments on the labor markets that we are currently facing. And the turnaround requires a change of strategy in HR work – and also in the people strategy of every […]
People & Culture Health Check instead of Management Audits
The German economy is undergoing transformation – in almost all sectors. Are the management teams, organization, processes and culture set up correctly to manage the transformation?Investors and family businesses in particular are asking themselves this question. A management audit can be a good, but also risky method of assessing the future viability of an organization. […]
Do we recognize ourselves? – About personnel diagnostics
Whenever we meet people, we unconsciously form a picture of ‚how‘ someone is and how they will act. So we do diagnostics. And in almost every professional people process in companies, diagnostics is somehow the basis. And when strategies fail, it is often due to human behavior.However, very few companies deal with diagnostics professionally – […]
Everything AGIL or what?
Which form of work suits us? A readiness check. The trend away from traditional hierarchies towards more agile forms of work continues unabated. But which organization and which management model really suits us? Many of our customers ask themselves this question. On closer inspection, there is a whole spectrum of different organizational forms and leadership […]
Social sustainability in German SMEs
In order to investigate the current state of German SMEs with regard to social sustainability, students at LMU Munich conducted a survey with Breitenstein Consulting and the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (BVMW). Social sustainability Sustainability can be divided into three dimensions: ecological, social and economic. While ecological sustainability has arrived in most […]
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC AND THEN? – Hybrid forms of work as a model for the future
The outdoor pools and restaurants are full, almost two-thirds of Germans are fully vaccinated, and the first people are returning from vacation with a tan – it almost seems as if the coronavirus pandemic is history. The fact is that we can at least enjoy the summer almost as we did in pre-coronavirus times. But […]
#FutureofWork = #FutureofHR?
A sustainable HR strategy tailored to your organization! The first stage of the corona crisis seems to be over – many of our customers are returning to the strategic questions: How will we work in our organization in the future? What changes will trends such as digitalization bring about in our jobs, processes and business […]