Leadership Connect at BorgWarner

Kick-off event at BorgWarner

On a cold but sunny Friday morning in February, the kick-off of the new Leadership Connect - Connect Days event series could not have gone better. After all participants were warmly welcomed at BorgWarner Turbo Systems GmbH in Kirchheimbolanden, there was a short round of getting to know the attendees from USAFE, BorgWarner and ZRW. It already became clear that there was a high interest in the Connect Days and the planned discussion topic of leadership and its methods, both from the German and the American side.

General Manager Dr. Jürgen Adam and Managing Director Andreas Denne then presented the Kirchheimbolanden site of the US automotive supplier, focusing in particular on the current changes in the automotive industry. The switch to battery-powered vehicles, for example, is forcing companies like BorgWarner to develop new products and adapt not only their production processes, but also their management and leadership processes.

Regarding these challenging circumstances, the following question inevitably came up: How does such a large company, which employs more than 49,000 people worldwide, manage such a far-reaching change and at the same time maintain the motivation of its employees?

Managers bear the important task of motivating employees and passing on the company's vision and mission through the individual levels. Transparency, open communication and regular meetings play an important role regarding this matter. The topic of leadership was at the forefront of the exchange since, of course, managers are needed to implement the restructuring measures that are necessary to remain competitive in the automotive industry. One point came up particularly frequently: Leadership is always about people - it starts with people, and it ends with them. Leadership means motivating people and encouraging them, getting to know them and identifying their strengths, in order to be able to identify new potential leaders.

Additionally, part of the Connect Day was a plant tour, where the guests were invited to take a guided tour of the production halls. Dedicated employees explained technical details and processes involved in the production of various vehicle components. The last stop on the tour was BorgWarner's own training center.

We would like to thank all BorgWarner employees and executives for this great reception and perfect start into the Leadership Connect Days and look forward to seeing you again at the closing event at Ramstein Air Base!