"Clarity with respect to the goal is essential"

Recent times have been characterised by a sense of uncertainty, and companies need to find ways to find their bearings. Goal-oriented management is vital here. Siemens Chair Jim Hagemann Snabe emphasises that clarity with respect to the goal is essential, especially when the path forwards is uncertain. Managers with clear goals and motives ensure that their teams stay focussed and act successfully even in turbulent times.

Sustainability should no longer be seen as an afterthought, said Snabe. Companies need to actively integrate this concept into their business strategy and ask themselves: "How do you make money by making something sustainable, not how do you spend money after you made something not sustainable."

In Snabe's opinion, supply chains also need to adapt to geopolitical uncertainties. The solution lies in resilient, diversified supply chains that span several countries and include automated factories. He continues by saying that although such systems are somewhat more cost-intensive, they are also more flexible and stable and therefore the better choice in the long term. Retailers have a key role to play here: they can utilise the increasing demand for sustainable products to create a demand-driven supply chain that is not just more environmentally friendly, but also meets the wishes of customers.