Our strength lies in diversity. WU is committed to internationality, diversity, and equal opportunities. These organizational goals should guide our daily actions as leaders. In dealing with today’s complex challenges, we take advantage of the diverse perspectives and ideas of all team members in an inclusive and diverse working environment to help WU achieve its goal of excellence in research, teaching, and Third Mission activities. As role models and important ambassadors of our values, we provide guidance to the members of our teams, ensuring and exemplifying academic integrity and good scientific practice.

By showing genuine interest and practicing active listening, we build dependable relationships with the members of our teams, strengthening their motivation and loyalty. We act as trailblazers for our team members, not only during their onboarding phase but also beyond. We facilitate access to expertise and relevant networks within and outside WU, raising the profile of our academic or service units. As team leaders, we focus on targeted team development and clear communication. This creates an atmosphere of trust at the workplace that makes people feel safe and secure and allows everyone to perform at their best.

As leaders, we have a duty of care towards the members of our teams, which is reflected in a reliable, appropriate sense of loyalty towards them. Closeness is a key leadership tool: When it matters, we are present and available, and we maintain a similar level of closeness to all team members while setting achievable expectations for them and always acting in a spirit of fairness. Providing support in problematic situations and actively creating a healthy, family-friendly working environment are key aspects in this regard. All this makes WU an attractive employer where people feel good about their workplace and remain highly productive even after many years of service.

As leaders, we prepare relevant content in such a way that it reaches people in a manner that is efficient and easy for them to understand. As the liaison between the organization and our teams, we initiate open dialogue, top-down as well as bottom-up. This strengthens everyone’s trust in the organization, creates spaces that encourage agility, and significantly increases employee participation.

​​​​​​As leaders, we make transparent decisions. We involve our team members wherever appropriate and take responsibility when clear decisions are needed. We are not afraid to address conflicts and resolve them constructively and in a spirit of appreciation. We also strike a good balance between the need to delegate responsibilities on the one hand and the need to take an active leadership role on the other hand.

As leaders, we continuously develop our skills and encourage a drive to keep learning in our teams. We take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Organizational & Talent Development office and other service units to strengthen our leadership roles and help our team members stay confident and flexible in the face of changing realities. We embrace change, providing stability in uncertain times and creating spaces for innovation. In this way, we want to foster a culture of learning and development together.