pricelessland

Today is September 2nd, 2022. There it is. Somehow a day like any other, somehow a Friday in the flow of time. Nevertheless, this Friday has a very special meaning for me (and certainly for many others as well). There have been quite a few articles and reviews on the fact itself.  

I use the blog today as a little way of my personal thoughts. Today is somehow Bernd Lange's last working day as district administrator of the Görlitz district. Since he's not just a supervisor for me, I'll share the common steps, but also dare a little preview of the next few years 😊  

What happened until now

I've known Bernd Lange for ages. He and I are from Rothenburg - a small town where I bumped into him from time to time. Not often, but you knew each other by sight. My studies in Zittau stipulated an internship in semester 6. In the corridors of the district office in Niesky, Bernd Lange came sprinting up the stairs – short small talk. And the opportunity to do the internship in the district administrator's office - if Mrs. Brandt, Mrs. Walter and Mrs. Fechner agree. He accompanied me directly to the ladies and after 45 minutes I was super happy. Internship (unpaid) with the task of designing a district presentation. This should then be brought and accompanied in the direction of the partner districts. So that's how it started. After the internship, I also had the opportunity to write my diploma thesis for the district administrator's office. Great thing. In 2003, I applied to be the managing director of EWG in Bad Muskau, today's ENO. There was a lot of skepticism in the room. Bernd Lange encouraged me. Shortly before the talks, I myself took the path towards Leipzig. Then, in 2005, I read the renewed advertisement for the managing director position (THANK YOU, dear Tom, for the tip). I wrestled with myself. A phone call to Bernd Lange then confirmed my decision to come back to the region. The phone call was only about one thing - the dialogue was probably pretty much exactly as follows: "Mr. Lange - I have just one request. I always want honest feedback. I will try to fill the name development company with life, I will often bring quirky ideas. Please always tell me honestly when I overshoot the mark" - "Of course!". And so it came as it came. In October 2005, I began my job as Managing Director of ENO. Bernd Lange, as Chairman of the Shareholders' Meeting, was my contact.  

I will refrain from listing all episodes at this point. But what I can tell you: the above dialogue still shapes our work together today. Trust, transparency and honesty. But also acceptance and tolerance for different opinions. United from the beginning by the desire to achieve good results for the district, always striving for the future. My very, very big personal thank you for that. The short line was always given and hey, there is really a lot on the joint success story. The press quoted Bernd Lange as "it was a great time" - I can confirm that for my small area as well.

And now? 

Here, too, I can only quote Bernd Lange with "a lot will certainly change, but I'm sure - it will be good". This is how he talks about Stephan Meyer. That optimism again. Faith in people again. Great attitude. Stephan Meyer will then take up the post of district administrator on Monday. I already wish him strong nerves 😊 In any case, as managing director of ENO, I will continue to work 100% for this district. With our service points #education, #tourism, #pricelessland, #real estate, #sustainability and #projectmanagement we want to continue to find, write and prepare good stories ourselves. The time is super exciting. There is a lot to do. Working together to advance the global issues #europe #energy #mobility and #health against the background of all the factors that surround us - that's what I want. It will be good!