Wolfgang Güntner

“With its broad operating base and forward-looking technologies, Continental will have a critical influence on shaping the mobility of the future”

How long have you been employed at Continental?
Since 1998

How did you start with the company?
Continental took over my former employer, Temic, an automotive electronics manufacturer. I came into the company as the result of this merger.

What is a typical work day like for you? Is there such a thing?
There are, to be sure, typical assignments that I have to complete each day at work. Normally, I first discuss matters with my administrative assistant. Then I take care of my e-mail and make any important calls. After that there are meetings with employees on such topics as the current situation in the production plant. HR meetings and discussions with the works council round off a typical work day.
Generally, it's important for me to divide my work day into blocks; otherwise I can quite quickly lose sight of where I am.

Why should someone decide for Continental as an employer?
Continental is a technology company with a broad, global position that sets it off from the competition. I am convinced that, in the not-too-distant future, we are set to become one of the world’s major technology companies. This, of itself, generates very good opportunities for personal development – internationally as well. Other drawing points are the outstanding management and the relatively flat hierarchy.

What skills and knowledge should people have who are looking for a career at Continental?
To be successful at Continental, you should possess a certain ambition and be willing to assume responsibility. I also think it is important that our employees can communicate openly and see themselves as team players.

How do you rate career opportunities at Continental?
If you are willing to take on new assignments outside the normal range of activities, you have every opportunity at Continental to continue developing personally.
At this company, opportunity awaits you, particularly if you are looking for the challenge of working abroad and enjoy embracing different cultures.

Have you been able to gain experience abroad? How important is experience like this for working at Continental?
A company like Continental, international operations, relies on people who are willing to do what is necessary to broaden their horizons. I myself did a nine-year stint for Continental in Mexico. The period was an experience gold mine for me.
But I would like to emphasize that it's entirely possible to have a career here without such experience.
Quite apart from the job perspective, it's my opinion that living abroad has a marked effect on one's personality.

How important is teamwork for you?
Teamwork is extremely important. I run a plant with 2,300 employees with a management team of 10 people. That would be impossible without outstanding appreciation of each other and excellent coordination.

Describe your management style for us, please.
I always try to be open to outside influences. So I would describe my style as demandingly team-oriented. I make a point of not becoming involved in everything. Our experts have to deal with the details of a job. As plant manager, I simply establish the direction and the framework.

How do you strike a balance between work, free time and family?
For me it's very important that my day be well planned and that I meet deadlines whenever possible. In saying this, I also have explicitly my personal deadlines in mind, even if my job very often throws a monkey wrench in the works.
During the week, the job is the focal point in my life. To make up for that, I see to it that I have enough time for my family on weekends.

How do you spend your free time?
I try to stay in shape by exercising. I work out at the gym regularly and also enjoy a round of golf. Fortunately my wife shares this hobby with me, otherwise there wouldn't be much time to work it in.

How do you envision your professional future?
I'm very happy that I was recently given the management position at the Regensburg plant. This assignment is definitely the high point of my long career. I'm very satisfied because I've achieved everything I imagined.