Strategy in Fadata

Fadata is a München-based IT company with 300 employees. In the current strategy, the focus is on “Software as a service”. This implies a transformation of the business model and the work culture of the company. Customers and strategic partners have been invited all the way into the heart of the company, and new products are developed in cooperation with them. This requires a completely new and agile way of organizing in which employees are divided into small teams led by experts and local managers.

What is the main challenge in your strategy realization?

We have adjusted all parts of our organization to a more agile and circular setup in which hierarchies have been broken down and replaced by teams working in eight-week sprints. This is one step further than merely applying the methods. We have brought customers and partners very close to our organization, and all of that requires a new culture in which employees have to develop new competencies and step into new roles. For managers, it also requires a totally new way of managing.

How do you understand the term "strategy"?

It is a clear and simple communication of our direction that makes it possible for all employees to contribute to the change in their daily life. We are working on a new way of organizing in which everybody is free to prioritize and make decisions. Otherwise, we will spend too much time reaching our targets.

Strategy is also an investment in creating value for customers, such that we can continue supplying them with cutting-edge technology.

How do you manage the strategy realization?

I need to be very clear in my communication in order for me to make sure that everybody understands the purpose of our transformation. I have spent less time planning and more time communicating during this process. For example, we have a weekly Friday meeting in which all employees gather and discuss what happened during the week and what will happen next week: What did we achieve? What do we have to achieve? I have let go of power in relation to many important technical decisions, and the coordination is also taking place in the individual parts of our organization. In return, I expect people to assume the responsibility.