Tekst: Jaroslav Drahoš
Dear colleagues,
I am not writing this article as a business owner. I am writing it as a person who has been creating FINIDR with you from the very beginning. I am always thinking about what makes our company special in the long term. And the longer I think about it, the clearer I see that the answer is quite simple – it’s you, FINIDRAKS.
You, who do your work with integrity, heart and responsibility. You who make the teams that stick together. You who are not just looking for a way to “undo” something, but to improve things – relationships, processes, environment.
I trust you. And I want you to trust me.
We are at the beginning of a period of change. I know that change can be unsettling. That’s why I want to tell you quite frankly – I trust you. I trust you. And I’m confident that together we can get through this. Over the last four years, thanks mainly to the covid and everything that followed, there have been many changes not only in our environment but also in FINIDR. There has been an increase in production of almost 80%. We have done it, but it has not been easy or painless. Now comes the next phase, certainly just as intense. It is the stabilisation phase.
Every decision we make this year and, in the years, to come has a clear direction – to fulfil our strategy and strengthen the team. Not just on paper, but in reality. So that every person in our printery feels they are in an environment where they can grow, be heard and have a clear place. So that every person knows what they can contribute to our strategy. To ensure that Finidr is here for the future. To be there for our children.
New reinforcements bring new energy
I am delighted that we have new reinforcements coming in to expand and strengthen the leadership and individual key teams.
– The new Production Director brings experience that will help us maintain quality and efficiency as we grow.
– The new Process Director will work with us to find ways to make things simpler, smarter and more transparent.
– At the same time, we are also strengthening the IT department, which is absolutely crucial for our work in today’s digital age.
Part of these steps includes a new organizational structure. The aim is to create a functioning management system with an emphasis on professionalisation and greater efficiency throughout the company. The new organisational structure will be effective from the middle of this year. It will change gradually as the new colleagues become familiar with the FINIDR environment and take responsibility for the individual departments. We do not want to rush anything and I also trust that you will all help our new reinforcements to get involved quickly. That we will listen to their experiences and use them sensitively in our culture.
The changes we are making are not an end in themselves. They are a direct part of delivering our strategy, where the team – and every member of it – plays a key and indispensable role. That includes you personally.
Every one of you is important
No matter where you work in the company – you are important to me. Everyone who does their job well and with respect for others has a place at FINIDR.
But it’s also true that each of us has a responsibility for the kind of team we make. It’s not enough to be part of it – you have to be an active part of it. To help, to listen, to improve. And to protect what we have. To live our values.
Openness makes a difference.
Have an idea how to improve something? See a problem? Can’t get it through? There’s only one advice for that, and that’s “Boss your boss”. Above all, speak openly. Don’t talk in kitchens and corners – talk to the person who can make a difference. And if they don’t hear you, go higher. That’s not weakness – that’s responsibility.
Our common goal is to maintain and grow the family business atmosphere that FINIDR has always had. And with nearly 800 people, that’s not easy. That’s why we can’t do it on our own – we need each other. We are all heading in the same direction and it’s up to each of us to make it happen. If we talk to each other, listen to each other and help each other, we can do it.
It’s no coincidence that this breakthrough is coming now – with 500 million books produced. It’s an incredible achievement. And a new beginning. A symbol that we have something to build on, but we must not rest on our laurels.
Collaboration that holds the company together
Collaboration and trust are not a given. But they are the key to making a team work – not just internally but across departments. I want people to know they can rely on each other. Without that, no team can function.
And I make it absolutely clear: gossip, rumours and unfair behaviour do not belong in FINIDR. We don’t want to slip into doing things just for show- meetings without meaning, endless meetings, unnecessary excuses and alibis waiting for approval of every detail. Let’s focus instead on what really makes sense and moves us forward. Each of you has a chance to grow. It certainly makes sense to step out of your comfort zone. It makes sense to be heard, to be seen and to be active. Don’t wait for someone to give you an opportunity – ask for it, take it.
FINIDR will only be as strong as we are as a team. And the team will only be as strong as how much we care.
Thank each and every one of you – for what you do. Thank you for your honest work, your dedication, and most of all, for creating a company that we can be proud of together.
I believe in you. And I’m confident that we’re off to a good and meaningful start to the Christmas market.
Jarek Drahoš
