Open dialog for successful collaboration

Dialog between executives and employees is essential to the cooperative spirit of partnership at Bertelsmann. We know that information, appreciation and regular feedback is a key driver of employee performance and satisfaction.

The most important element here, of course, is ongoing daily interaction based on an open leadership and communication style. In addition, Bertelsmann has established formal mechanisms that give employees and executives a framework for cooperation. Since 2008, revised and expanded forms that support one-on-one talks between executives and employees have been available to all Bertelsmann companies worldwide.

Performance reviews

The annual performance and development dialog forms the core of the annual performance review. In a confidential conversation, employees receive detailed feedback on their performance from their superior, based on clearly defined assessment criteria, which rate not only the results of their work, but also the conduct by which this performance was achieved. There are different sets of criteria for supervisors and for employees without management responsibilities.

The dialog partners also jointly consider which skills and knowledge are necessary for successfully doing the job in the future and from this they work out what training may be required. Opportunities for personal and professional development are discussed and an individual development plan is created.

Target-setting

One central pillar in Bertelsmann’s partnership management model is the principle of delegation of responsibility, which means maximizing the autonomy that employees and executives are given in carrying out their work. It is therefore especially important that expectations and goals are clearly articulated.

To agree tasks and goals, there is an annual talk between the employee and their line manager. The focus of this discussion is to review the employee’s performance and achievement of targets over the past year, and to jointly agree work targets and specific assignments for the year ahead. The organizational framework and necessary support and resources are also discussed.

January Talks

The “January Talks” are an annual group discussion between employees and their supervisor – a "bottom-up" feedback process. The talk is an important part of our business partnership concept: it serves to strengthen cooperation and help the supervisor improve his work as a manager.

A manual helps in assessing the supervisor’s performance based on the "Guidelines for Management". The questionnaires completed by the staff are evaluated anonymously by a trusted third party. Open and constructive discussions are then held about cooperation within the team and with the supervisor. The purpose of the meeting is to agree on specific measures.