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October 25, 2011:Interview with Niklas Harging, new CEO of XtractorNiklas Harging is the new CEO of Xtractor. He was previously CEO of business intelligence company ExOpen Systems and Marketing Director at telecom operator RSL COM. What are your thoughts on entering the training business? – It’s fun and exciting to enter a new field. But in many ways Xtractor is similar to my previous company, in that both companies offer a self-developed product that is tailored to the customer’s needs. What was it that attracted you to Xtractor? – Xtractor can offer companies support in competence development and information distribution. With growing competition from Asia and other markets, – The IT maturity of companies is constantly rising and the technology is getting more refined. In these times of change, companies must stay on their toes to constantly improve their products. Xtractor is in the right business at the right moment and my goal for us is to double turnover in a few years’ time. During your time at ExOpen Systems, and prior to that at IT services company Qbranch , both companies were ranked among Sweden’s best workplaces by Great Place to Work. Can you name three key factors in making a company a top three workplace in the country?
What experience are you bringing to Xtractor of developing a strong company culture with committed co-workers? – The most common reason for employees to leave is lack of development, challenge and appreciation. In my opinion all co-workers, regardless of position, should work according to an individual plan in order to develop personally and professionally, achieve their goals and get the chance to try new tasks. That way the co-workers know what is expected of them and get a sense of importance. – A strong company culture is built on a clear and strong vision, business idea, goals and strategy. All co-workers must be encouraged to share and impact the business plan. The business plan and goals should be reviewed and analysed on a regular basis. That way everybody knows their role and what is expected of them. What methods do you use for measuring employee satisfaction? – I use the Balanced Scorecard method for measuring company success through four perspectives: financial, customer, internal business processes and learning and growth. Satisfied coworkers are followed up with the help of an employee satisfaction index. By carefully measuring and analysing the material, you receive information that is substantial and measurable. And finally, what are your plans for your first month as CEO of Xtractor? – I’m going to set up individual meetings with each co-worker, serve a one day internship at each department and meet a number of customers. |
Name: Niklas Harging Age: 37 years Family: Wife Maria, who teaches at Carlsson’s School, two children Lives: Ekerö Interests: Sports, mainly running, working out, skiing and golf Reading at the moment: The Match King by Frank Portnoy, a biography of Ivar Kreuger. |
Xtractor Interactive AB | Sundbybergsvägen 1, 171 73 SOLNA | Tel: +46 8 588 945 00 | Fax: +46 8 588 945 99 | info@xtractor.se |
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competence is becoming the main advantage for Swedish companies. But competition is also fierce when it comes to attracting the most competent co-workers, and companies with a well-defined strategy for competence development will attract the best professionals.