Understand – Support – Outperform! We leave outdated leadership styles to dusty old corporations. At USO, we believe in trusting people who think for themselves and actively help shape things. When we bring new colleagues into the team, we give them room to grow—especially when it comes to their personal development. Got questions or feeling stuck? Then we are right there to help.

Many managers seem to think of their employees as citrus fruits. Why? Because they keep squeezing them dry. What remains is an empty shell. Employees feel stressed. Creativity in the team declines. The company stops evolving. Not exactly a winning strategy.

At USO, we prefer to think in terms of plants that can grow naturally. Everyone on our team is like a delicate young plant. Creating the right environment for personal growth is our everyday management task.

100 percent remote

Our day-to-day business runs 100 percent remotely—and that is not about to change. Because the company was founded during the pandemic, we currently meet in person twice a year: once for our workation, and once for our team meeting with the Christmas celebration.

But our annual review conversations in January 2025 made one thing clear: a little more in-person time would be welcome. So for the first time, quarterly team events are on the agenda this year. We are already looking forward to being a bit more face-to-face again.

Honest communication, openness, and regular exchange also help us respond to the needs of our team and our employees. And not everyone needs a weekly check-in. For some, a monthly conversation is absolutely enough.

One topic that ranks especially high in one-on-one exchanges is personal development. At USO, a full week of training each year is not just encouraged—it is expected. IT and security topics evolve at lightning speed, and we are prepared for that. With a good sense of what matters, we usually define the training focus together with our team during the first two years. Starting in year three, that decision is up to each individual colleague. Want to build know-how in OT security? Absolutely. Interested in a CISA certification? Consider it booked.

On our shared list for this year: an internal ISC2 CCSP training. As an accredited ISACA trainer and Microsoft Certified Trainer, I can also help our team prepare for Microsoft topics or the CISM—but that will come next year.

New Work, work-life balance, healthy company culture, corporate well-being—there are many different terms for it. But they all mean the same thing: work is not everything. Life outside the office—or home office—should still play the leading role.

At USO, people work with people. Everyone should feel comfortable. Time for private life is a given. Family planning is not a taboo topic. We make things possible—offering part-time options, supporting workations, and even sabbaticals. The only thing we do not offer is the famous fruit basket—working from home makes that one a little difficult.

So how do we work together on a daily basis? More or less like this: “See that mountain? That’s where we’re going. Go!” That is how we assign tasks—as much as possible based on the strengths and abilities of each colleague.

• Step 1: Together, we define the goal (Management by Objectives). Where necessary, we set a few boundaries and rules (Management by Exception).
  
• Step 2: Our employees set off—whether with a map, a navigation system, or expert local knowledge. The motto is: long live freedom of choice!
  
• Step 3: SWOT support! If someone does get stuck along the way, help is there immediately. Support from senior mentors is always available—whenever someone asks for it.

Because every person works differently. One person sets off and enjoys moving at their own pace. Another appreciates a trusted companion from time to time. We are ready for both. Equipped with good advice, we walk part of the way together. Most of the time, that is all it takes to keep moving confidently toward the summit.

And in general, the same rule applies that Richard Branson already knew well:

“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes—then learn how to do it later.”
Richard Branson

We are convinced that growth happens outside the comfort zone.

We are always excited about committed, enthusiastic new colleagues (m/f/d) 😉. That is why we trust our team—and every individual in it. We hand over responsibility, step in whenever someone needs help, and pursue our mission together. Work really can be a beautiful thing.

The image shows a group of climbers who are just about to reach the summit.