Leadership

The vote of young managers

The German Leadership Award honors exemplary corporate management.

Dr. hc Susanne Klatten
2025

Award winners and leadership

The leadership of the GLA award winners represents core principles of modern and effective leadership designed to maximize both individual and collective success in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. It reflects a holistic approach that takes into account both the human dimension and operational excellence. (Source: Leadership study by AIvolve Leadership Dynamics GmbH, 2024)

1. the focus on people

This principle emphasizes the central role of people in all company activities and stresses that the success of the company is directly linked to the well-being and development of its employees. In the future, leaders must ensure that AI technologies support people's work and promote their well-being and development, rather than replacing them. Leadership decisions should therefore always consider the impact on people.

2. appreciation and recognition

Highlighted several times, this principle includes the need to recognize and value the achievements and contributions of each employee. This contributes to employee motivation and loyalty and strengthens team spirit.

3. diversity and inclusion

This principle emphasizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive work environment that values and promotes all forms of diversity. It aims to break down barriers and create an environment of equality.

4. inspiration and vision

Repeatedly mentioned, this principle refers to the ability of leaders to communicate a clear and compelling vision of the future that motivates and inspires the team.

5. promotion of initiative and creativity

This includes encouraging employees to develop and implement their own ideas, which contributes to innovation and continuous improvement.

6. communication and open dialog

Clear and open communication is crucial for the understanding and involvement of all team members and contributes to effective decision-making.

7 Ethics and responsibility

This principle emphasizes the importance of acting ethically and taking responsibility, both in terms of one's own conduct and in leading others.

8. strategic patience and long-term thinking

This principle emphasizes the importance of formulating long-term goals and patiently following developments while mastering current challenges and taking advantage of learning opportunities through targeted experimentation and calculated risk-taking. It emphasizes the need for a balanced perspective that takes into account both future visions and current realities to ensure sustainable success

 

9. adaptability and resilience

Adaptability and resilience involve the ability to respond flexibly to change and adapt quickly to new conditions. It ensures that the company is prepared for both long-term planning and short-term challenges.

 

10. social commitment

Social engagement as a leadership principle emphasizes the active involvement of companies and managers in social and community issues in order to exert a positive influence. This strengthens employee loyalty and improves the brand image while contributing to the sustainable development of society.

Winner of the German Leadership Award

Dr. hc Susanne Klatten

Founder, investor, entrepreneur and patron

2025

Chief Executive Officer Chairman Board of Management KÄRCHER

2024

Managing Director Human Resources and Organization, Volkswagen Sachsen GmbH

2023
Dr. Hans J. Langer

CEO and Chairman of the EOS Group

2019
Dr.-Ing. E. h. Manfred Wittenstein

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of WITTENSTEIN SE, Igersheim Chairman of the Industry 4.0 Alliance

2018
Dr. Heinrich Hiesinger

Chairman of the Executive Board of thyssenkrupp AG

2017
Peter Bauer

Chairman of the Management Board of Infineon Technologies AG (2010 - 2012) and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of OSRAM Licht AG

2016
Dr. phil. Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller

Chairwoman of the Management Board and Managing Partner of TRUMPF GmbH + Co. KG, Ditzingen

2015
Erich Harsch

Chairman of the Management Board of dm-drogerie markt, Karlsruhe

2014
© 2025 German Leadership Award