Being where you've always wanted to be. Finding your hobby in your job. To work with heart and soul. What could be better? Our interview partner of the month is proof that such career satisfaction can be achieved. How can anyone say the same about themselves? What factors can contribute to this on a scale?
According to research in industrial psychology, the most important predictor of career satisfaction is strategic planning. Anyone who wants to control their professional future needs an individual, well-considered career plan. This means defining medium- to long-term career goals, taking action, and setting a time frame for achieving them. But planning does not take place in a vacuum: If you take your personal values, interests and strengths into account in the process, the chances of achieving greater professional satisfaction increase.
In addition to career planning, the social network and interpersonal interactions also contribute to career satisfaction. A broad network, peripheral contacts both at work and in leisure time can be real door openers and career accelerators. Pursuing a hobby, being active in a club allows contacts to be made and connections to be made that can prove to be very valuable.
It is therefore not surprising that these two predictors apply to Beat Jermann, Managing Director of Mecaplex AG. Our interview partner of the month knew where he was headed professionally. After completing his apprenticeship as a precision mechanic, he single-mindedly earned an HTL degree in mechanical engineering and a postgraduate degree in industrial engineering. As a passionate glider pilot he is president of the gliding group Dittingen and OK member of the Dittinger Flugtage. For more than 5 years now he has been the managing director of the Mecaplex AG active. The company, which is part of the Glas Trösch Group, employs 50 specialists in the aircraft industry. Mecaplex glazing is a household name in aviation worldwide and is used, among other things, as cockpit windows in gliders. But read more in the interview about the parallels in Beat Jermann's job and hobby.
Mr. Jermann, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"Gliding has been one of my hobbies for many years. Even if I had taken a different path, my goal would have been to work for a company like Mecaplex."
What would you work for free for a week?
"My sideline activities include my involvement as president in my gliding club "Segelfluggruppe Dittingen". If the days had more than 24 hours, I would also be involved in youth development: Motivation, support and coaching for all young people who want to achieve something."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"On the one hand, I'm thinking of "Put your heart into it!" and on the other, "Think BIG" and learn from defeats. Defeats can also be seen as opportunities and used for the better, I'm convinced of that."
How do you face setbacks and deal with difficulties?
"If possible, I try to avoid hasty actions. By distancing yourself emotionally, you are more likely to act 'correctly' and appropriately. Once problems are solved and difficulties are overcome, you come out of the situation stronger."
What is especially important to you in your work environment and what is definitely not coming into the office?
"As a managing director, it is essential for me to create the basis for top performance among employees. For me, this also includes giving honest praise and sometimes dealing with conflicts rather than remaining silent. What I can't tolerate is bullying and personal attacks."
We would like to thank Mr. Jermann for his contribution to this article. This interview was conducted in writing.
Editor: Neslihan Steiner
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
