Wuppertal-based coaching agency Wertefabrik, which was founded in 2008 by Silke Otto and Christoph Bader, focuses on valuebased work. What does this mean? “We want,” stresses Silke Otto, “to improve the business world for the benefit of people and enterprises. We think that companies should become places where committed people are dedicated to an agreeable collaboration thus making a meaningful contribution to society.” 80
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Issue 91
| March 2022
Working for the public good? How does that fit a business’ goal to make economic profit? “This may seem contradictory at first, as values are not necessarily associated with economic success,” confirms Christoph Bader. “In discussions with managers, we often get the impression that they think in categories: it’s either human or economic. Our approach is evidence to the contrary. We focus on the ‘and’: economic and human value. Where these two worlds meet, long-term entrepreneurial success emerges.” Wertefabrik’s interdisciplinary team focuses on long-term support and guidance. “We are convinced that individuals and businesses alike need time to develop. We want to get to the roots of the topics that con-
Wertefabrik offers another opportunity to engage intensively with professional and personal topics, in the safe environment of a business retreat on an old manor in Schleswig-Holstein. Pupils and students alike can also count on Wertefabrik’s support for the development of an individual, valuebased vision of their professional career. www.wertefabrik.de
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However, more often than not, it soon becomes obvious that the umpteenth tool among all the other miracle cures and magic formulas does not actually offer long-lasting solutions, but rather leads us away from the roots of our needs. What we need are values that offer substance and stability.
cern our clients. For us, long-term support means taking into account and making use of the effects of change. Our aim is careful organisational development with workable approaches that will outlive the next trend,” stresses Silke Otto. “We want to understand and encourage reflection. Values for us are essential guardrails that provide us and our clients with the stability to act agile and flexibly. This is how we create added value and keep enterprises healthy.”
TEXT: SILKE HENKELE
In these present times, which can seem so fast-paced and fast-moving, there is often the tendency from some quarters to aim for ‘fast’ success. The latest concept or the coolest new tool seem attractive, and usually promise quick problem solving.
PHOTOS: WERTEFABRIK, YASSIN MAHR
VALUE-ADDING WORK FOR PEOPLE, BUSINESSES AND SOCIETY
