Diesel-Electric Convention 2014
Diesel-Electric Convention 2014
Teamwork for Success
The 2014 Diesel-Electric
Convention was held on
focused on goals, all predicated on
embedded knowledge within the
company, and the development of
potential through a harsh recruitment
process, which is basically survival of
the fittest.
21 November at the Zulu Nyala
Country Manor in Fourways,
Gauteng, and the theme for
this year’s conference was
how teamwork will bring about
greater success for Bosch and its
strategic partners.
T
he guest speaker, motivational
guru Ian Thomas, gave his
well-known “Power of the
Pride” presentation, whereby he looks
at how lions have managed to stay
king of the jungle for thousands, if not
millions of years, through teamwork.
This teamwork comes from continuous
communication and feedback, a
bonding culture, and confidence
through back-up and 100% trust in
each other. Thomas also expounded on
how a pride of lions defines and holds
its territories, performs well within this
defined territory, and spends time in
developing a powerful next generation,
i.e. focused succession planning.
The presentation also pointed out
that successful teams allow for
specialisation, and are incredibly
➲ Ian Thomas expounds on the power of
the pride
Ewald Faulstich, regional director,
Automotive Aftermarket, RBSA,
expanded on the lion pride theme,
explaining that it is these pride
characteristics that have helped Robert
Bosch in becoming the world’s largest
automotive supplier, and that the home
of the lion, Africa, is providing huge
opportunities for Bosch. All that Bosch
will need to take advantage of these
opportunities is to find the right balance
between its European business style
and the more unconventional approach
required to meet the challenges that
Africa presents.
One of the secrets of Robert Bosch’
success is its immense focus on
research and development, spending
some 10% of its revenue on this
important developmental aspect, and
its IAM strategy around parts, bytes
and workshop. This will stand it in good
stead as it faces the challenges and
opportunities of the future, including
OEMs aggressively expanding into
the aftermarket space with parts and
workshop concepts; mobility users
becoming more demanding; consumers’
price sensitivity; skill shortages;
alternative powertrains, and legislative
requirements.
As Faulstich says, associates will need
to have both the ability to do (knowledge
and experience) and the willingness to
do (attitude), and to just GTJD (Get the
Job Done), which will help to achieve the
ultimate goal of getting the mobility user
to bring their vehicle parc into Bosch
workshop service centre partners, with
maximum Bosch parts usage. Borrowing
from African folklore and continuing
the pride theme, Faulstich then quoted
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you
want to far, go together”
Robert Bosch Automotive Aftermarket
executives expanded further, adding
input on partnerships, quality parts,
automotive service solutions, diagnostic
hardware and software, services for
mobility solutions, workshop concepts
and supply chain management.
Some highlights of the conference:
➲ On display was the
new Bosch livery for
taxis, with an important
message
➲ Also on display was the
newly introduced BL8944L
Brake Lathe, for drums,
discs, and flywheels
| words in action
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december 2014 / January 2015