At Kompak, everything revolves around people, processes, and quality. But what does that mean for the Team Leaders who are at the heart of production every day? Team Leader Martin takes you through his day as Team Leader: how he creates structure, solves problems, and, above all, finds joy in working with his people at Kompak.
Start of the day: coffee, control and structure
“My day naturally starts with a cup of coffee with colleagues,” says Martin. “Then I check all the lines to make sure everyone is present and at the correct workstation. A good morning greeting is just as important as checking the codes. This way, we can be sure our customers are getting the quality they expect.”
Only when everything is correct does he start entering the timesheets. “It’s a fixed ritual: employees naturally want to receive a correct salary at the end of the month. It may sound small, but these routines provide structure and calm in a busy environment.”
Busy periods require commitment and adaptability
Even during hectic periods, engagement remains crucial. “As a Team Leader, you demonstrate that you’re also ready to lend a helping hand. That’s infectious. People automatically go the extra mile when needed.”
Challenges always arise, for example, when employees are ill. “Then you have to adjust the schedule to ensure production continues. That’s something every industry experiences, but it requires flexibility and quick thinking.”
This is how we keep production running
To ensure smooth production, Kompak uses various systems that identify downtime or problems. “I like to first physically investigate what’s wrong. Together with the operator, we try to solve the problem. That’s very satisfying,” explains Martin.
“If the problem persists or is beyond our expertise, we contact technical support. As a Team Leader, you also maintain contact with support departments. A chat, a joke, or showing interest in people—that works wonders. It’s just like at home: good relationships make work a lot easier.”
The role of a good Team Leader
Becoming a good Team Leader isn’t something you just do. “People often think it’s a status thing: ‘I’m the boss.’ That’s wrong. As a Team Leader, you’re a mentor, a counselor, a confidante, and sometimes a psychologist. You help people with problems and motivate them in their work. That’s a complete package that’s often underestimated.”
Self-development remains crucial. “I keep observing, listening, and taking initiative. Sometimes you have to be stubborn, because you have to learn to walk before you can run. To help my team, I also conduct consultations: one-on-one meetings where employees gain insight into their performance and areas for improvement. This works better than giving criticism: you focus on growth instead of shortcomings.”
What I find special about my role as Team Leader at Kompak? Being able to truly be there for people. Attention, understanding, and a sense of safety are the tools you need as a good Team Leader. Home visits with employees on long-term sick leave are also special. You really get to see someone’s personal life and build a bond of trust that you would never get in the workplace alone,” says Martin.
Day closing: reflection and satisfaction
At the end of the day, after the team handover, Martin takes a moment for himself. “In the car, I think: ‘We’ve done this together again.’ Of course, there are frustrations, but that’s part of the job. As I always say: over every mountain, there’s a path. Think in possibilities, and you’ll find the path, even if it’s not immediately visible.”
Working as a Team Leader at Kompak
Team Leader Martin’s work at Kompak goes beyond production and planning. It’s about understanding, motivating, and guiding people, while simultaneously monitoring processes and ensuring safety. It’s a varied, challenging, and rewarding role, and above all, one where pride and satisfaction are paramount.
Become our new Team Leader!
Would you, like Martin, enjoy leading a team and contributing to quality and collaboration? We have a Team Leader vacancy on our Careers page – you might just be our new colleague!