Leader at Danske Bank: How you can use the TR role as a career booster
When Ove Feddersen became leader 20 years ago, he had no idea what to use union representatives to. Today, as Head of AM Valuation & Reporting in LC&I, the TRs are his regular sparring partners. Also, get Ove's thoughts about using the TR role to boost your career.
"When I first became leader, I was actually a bit afraid of the union representatives (in Danish abbreviated to TR). I didn’t know what to use them for, and their role had not been explained to me when I became a leader."
That was 20 years ago when Ove Feddersen first became a leader, and a lot has changed since then.
Today, Ove Feddersen is a leader in Head of AM Valuation & Reporting under Asset Management in Large Corporates & Institutions.
And his relationship with the union representatives has changed significantly.
"Today, I have really come to see how I can use the TRs in my daily work – and also how they can use me," says Ove.
Examples of collaborations
As an example, Ove mentions a recent physical relocation of the workplace. Suddenly, concepts like activity-based working and free seating became a focus for employees. Through the union representatives, he was able to gauge the employees' attitudes.
"I had many good discussions with the union representatives, and through them, I was able to gain perspective on my view and incorporate nuances that I would not have gotten without the union representatives," he says.
He also uses the union representatives when more serious matters arise.
"Unfortunately, we have had some lay offs. My union representative was good at being clear about their role, and both I and the employees found peace in knowing that the union representative was so clear in their role as the employees' representative when difficult conversations need to be had," he says.
One last thing Ove would like to highlight is the focus on educational opportunities that the union representatives bring to his department:
"They are good at identifying educational opportunities that are relevant for many in the department. For example, we have had some courses on stress management that have been beneficial for my employees, which we would not have had if it weren't for my union representatives."
The union representative path as a career booster
Many consider using the union representative path as a booster to become a leader.
What do you think as a leader about this?
"It is definitely a good idea to become a union representative to increase one's visibility and support one's career, but it should, of course, be based on a genuine desire to take on a responsibility for the welfare of the employees, including many leaders. That it also shows that one can handle a bit more than just their regular job is, of course, positive and demonstrates that employees' ambitions and potential can reach much farther," he says.
What are some advantages of taking the union representative path as an employee?
"In the confidential dialogue between the leader and the union representative, the union representative can gain a unique insight into the leaders' mindset, for example in difficult situations, and even be the leader's sparring partner. When one speaks as a union representative, one has a strong voice that must be listened to. Of course, it also requires careful consideration of how one uses it. Furthermore, as a union representative, you become sharp on salary and conditions, which is certainly not a disadvantage when you want to move forward, whether as a leader or along the specialist path," says Ove Feddersen.
Still affraid of your union representatives?
Today, the relationship with the union representatives consists of a series of informal conversations and regular meetings scheduled in the calendar.
"At these regular meetings, we update each other on how things are going, and the union representatives keep me sharp on what is happening among the employees."
Are you still afraid of the union representatives you work with?
"Ha ha, no, of course not. They are good at keeping me on my toes and making sure that everything goes as agreed and as we have discussed. It is good for both me and the employees."
