Kees Schmalz

Background

About Kees Schmalz

20 years of management experience, built up in various industries has given me a broad view on dealing with people, teams and cultures.Having traveled and worked in 60+ countries, lived in 4, I discovered that in all these places, however different, I could apply three of my personal principles.SimplicityIt always pays off to make doing business easier. Simplifying processes, products, orgcharts, etc makes it easier to set targets, align teams, decide on actions, follow-up, etc. Customers and suppliers will appreciate it, most employees will love it; it always pays off, always ask ‘why’.Communication & feedbackThe most critical and difficult aspect in teamwork is communication and feedback. Properly giving and receiving feedback are key to building sustainably winning teams. Everybody can learn to do it, no excuses, everybody is in HR.Diversity & ModestyBuilding teams with different characters and opinions is not easy but ultimately satisfying. It offers the best chance to have meaningful discussions to come to good decisions. A degree of modesty is required from all, as the best way for a team to learn is to listen to each other.Work experience:Industry – Chemicals, Paints/Coatings/Inks, PackagingGeography – All continents, skewed towards Europe with a sweet spot for IndiaManagement – Business management roles in corporate environmentsStrengthsFinder:1-Context 2-Positivity 3-Achiever 4-Ideation 5-Adaptability