A Unified Leadership Culture Reinforces Escarmat’s Quality Promise.

Escarmat has systematically developed its leadership and supervisory practices. Last autumn, the management team and supervisors participated in Hälsa’s six-month leadership training program, during which they jointly defined a framework for the company’s leadership. The training focused on motivational leadership, enhancing supervisors’ self-awareness, providing constructive feedback, and fostering collaboration among supervisors.

A common thread for leadership and supervisory work

Strengthening a unified leadership culture required clarifying and developing supervisor work practices. An employee survey indicated a positive workplace atmosphere, and the goal was to ensure leadership practices supported this at every level. The survey highlighted the need to enhance feedback practices and strengthen collaboration between the KT and Vikby locations, thus improving communication and consistent ways to support the success of the entire organization.

Ten jointly defined cornerstones of leadership

During the training, Escarmat’s leadership direction was collectively defined, outlining the type of leadership the organization aspires to and values.

– Working in groups was effective, as everyone was able to express their thoughts and answer key questions: Which existing elements support our leadership vision, and which hinder it? What are our core values, and where do we set our boundaries? This process led to the formulation of concise leadership principles – Escarmat’s ten cornerstones, explains Escarmat’s HR manager Minna-Leena Kniivilä.

Leadership is built on self-awareness and collective support

Building a unified leadership culture began with the leadership team, as a group, and all supervisors, as individuals, recognizing their strengths and areas for development, enjoying leadership by leveraging their own strengths, and staying motivated to grow. Methods and tools are already available, but they must be understood and willingly applied – additionally, new ones are also needed.

– The coaching gave everyone plenty of new insights to consider, and I believe it will strengthen cooperation and peer support among supervisors, Minna-Leena commented.

The Workplace Big Five tool was used during the training to deepen self-awareness and enhance teamwork. It helped individuals and teams identify their natural strengths, preferred working styles, and comfort zones within the workplace.

The training highlighted the importance of peer support and networks in developing leadership and strengthening a shared direction. Once you have identified your own strengths and areas for development, it becomes easier to draw on the expertise of your colleagues – learning directly from those whose strengths align with your own development needs.

The sparring pair exercises proved highly beneficial and continuing them as part of everyday work was considered important. These discussions do not have to be limited to occasional encounters – they can evolve into more permanent sparring pairs or groups, where supervisors support one another and challenge each other’s thinking.

By speaking the same language, we continue to improve quality

Escarmat invests in leadership practices because a unified leadership culture supports continuous development in quality and performance. Clear operating procedures help personnel perform their tasks efficiently and with high quality. Unified leadership enhances engagement and commitment, which in turn improves quality, reduces errors, and costs, and promotes customer satisfaction, a positive working atmosphere, and ongoing development.

Making the cornerstones of leadership visible in everyday work

The jointly defined cornerstones of leadership will be made visible in everyday work. When these principles guide daily activities, they reinforce a unified organizational culture and seamless cooperation.

– Of course, there is still much practical implementation ahead, requiring conscious commitment, open dialogue, and continuous interaction at all organizational levels. It is, in fact, the leaders’ people’s skills that play a crucial role here, Minna-Leena reflects.

Leadership development never ends – it lives in daily work

Strengthening a unified leadership culture is an ongoing process at Escarmat. When the jointly agreed-upon principles become visible in everyday work, they support effective decision-making, cooperation, and high-quality performance. In this way, leadership supports Escarmat’s promise of quality every day.

“Practice leads to results, and small steps lead to success and learning”.