Creative thinking and corporate culture

What exactly is “culture”? How can the traditional concept of culture be applied to companies? What does the design thinking method entail, and what potential does it hold? And on top of that—what does all of this have to do with food?

To bring these various topics together, the Career Service’s Winter School, titled “Reflections,” took place in February 2017.

Art and Culture

The educational week kicked off with a guided tour of the Albertinum, the state art collection in Dresden. In addition to classical paintings and sculptures, participants had the opportunity to view Manaf Halbouni’s controversial memorial featuring three bus wrecks. The photo exhibition “Lampedusa 361” on Theaterplatz, which depicts countless refugee graves, also gave participants pause for thought.

Afterward, the participants traveled to the picturesque Schöna Castle, nestled in the heart of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, where they were staying for the next few days.

Physical Fitness

Every morning before breakfast, Thomas Hönel ensured a fresh start to the day. Through gentle sequences of yoga movements and various group-engagement exercises, the martial arts instructor fostered mindfulness of body and mind. On hikes, the participants explored the surrounding landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Design Thinking

In the mornings, Florian Müller, a marketing consultant and managing director of projektUP!, introduced the method of design thinking. The approach aims to find creative solutions to problems. It is important to step outside of habitual thought patterns and approach challenges in a playful manner. Participants gained hands-on experience with the method through a task they had to work on in small groups during the week. Armed with Legos, colorful Post-its, and flip chart paper, the participants were able to visually represent their solutions.

Culture

Karl-Heinz Reiche, project manager of the Career Service, provided a theoretical perspective on the concept of culture and its history. He also explained how corporate culture can be made tangible and describable. In addition, process psychologist Jörg Heidig invited participants to explore culture and identity. Through various exercises and discussions, participants became aware of their own values.

Food Culture

In addition to the educational content, Claudia Friedrich, a passionate “Do-Eat-Yourself” cook, took care of the culinary aspects. Together with the participants, she cooked recipes from all over the world and demonstrated how important food is for fostering a sense of community and culture.

A Successful Week

What made this year’s Winter School particularly special was the diversity of topics, which were thoroughly covered by the respective instructors and interwoven with one another. A uniquely warm and cordial atmosphere prevailed among the participants, encouraging mutual exchange.

Author: Marina Welsch

By the way, the cover for the Career Service’s new event brochure was created during this Winter School. You can find this and further information here.