Networking is a must
Morten Carlsen, 36, MSc in Chemical Engineering and PhD. Employed in Novozymes R&D since 1997 focusing on the development of new production processes which he is now responsible for implementing as a team leader at the enzyme production plant in Kalundborg. As a production engineer with a strong technical profile it was obvious to go for a specialist position. However, Morten Carlsen got the opportunity to become a team leader for a team of nine employees. He seized his chance without any regrets.
"Already when I joined Novozymes in 1997, I expressed a wish to develop my career towards a leadership role. It was part of my development plan right from the beginning. In R&D, as a project manager, I had the opportunity to test my leadership competency, and I also had great responsibility in my job as a production engineer. Still it is quite an upheaval to become a people manager.
In this position, leaning on a strong technical background presents both pros and cons. It is of course a strength to know what you are talking about and to be able to challenge your employees professionally. On the other hand there may be weaknesses in the personal and social competencies required as a people manager. For instance the responsibility for carrying through performance evaluations and appraisal interviews is new to me. There is no cookbook for managers, and had I known what I know today, I might have acted differently in some cases. But you grow with the challenge, and today I feel more secure as a manager.
It is my experience that in order to succeed in Novozymes you must be able to build up a strong network. Nobody knows everything, but knowing where to get the information you need, you will be well off. Also, as a manager, it is extremely important to spar with colleagues. I am a member of the Site Denmark network of team leaders who meet regularly to exchange ideas, thoughts - and frustrations. This is an important part of the leadership development that means a lot to all of us.
To me the feeling of making a difference is one of the most positive things about my job. Together with my team, I contribute to move Novozymes in the right direction. Even though I spend much of my time on my management responsibilities, it is still part of my job to chart the professional profile of the plant. Not only where we are right now, but also - which is even more important - the course we plan to take in the years to come.
Seen from a managerial point of view, confidence is a key word to me. In Novozymes the spirit is that if you do your job properly, you have free scope to do it your way. You may plan your own time, when and to a great extent how you perform. I really feel empowerment in relation to my superiors. Likewise, I am doing my best to empower my own staff".