Women conquer the craft

Almost one in four craft businesses in Brandenburg is run by a woman, and more and more women are completing master craftsman examinations.

This article is part of the special topic women in crafts

Throughout Germany there are over 200.000 female-run craft businessesThis puts the skilled trades sector in a good position compared to the entire SME sector. Of the approximately 3,8 million SMEs in Germany, KfW Bank Recently, almost 20 percent were managed by a female boss.

There they are However, female managers in the skilled trades are unequally distributedAlthough women are now found as bosses in all skilled trades, until now women have concentrated often on the service-related tradesThe focus is, for example, on Hairdressingthe Bespoke tailoring or self-employment as a beautician. The Plumbing tradethe Constructionthe Bricklaying or a Car repair shops are still clear male-dominated.

Even more female bosses in the trades are desirable

But the potential of women as entrepreneurs in the skilled trades is still much higher. Women bring their own leadership skills and so too breaking down traditional role models in the craft industry simultaneously Act as a role model for future generations. Especially given the high number of skilled trades businesses in Brandenburg that are awaiting succession, more female managers in the skilled trades are desirable. Studies show that women in leadership positions generally have different priorities than men. A study by the Association of German Women Entrepreneursthat women have a stronger focus on creativity, Caring and Teamwork Also intensive customer loyalty and good relationships with employees are more strongly valued by women as success factors.

Corina Reifenstein, President is Chamber of Crafts Cottbus, says: "Whether as an entrepreneur or as a working wife – women bear great responsibility in craft businesses. Because of this, they also play a central role in the issue of succession."

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Different style of communication

For Dörte Thie, Vice President the Chamber of Crafts Potsdam, Head Master on the board of Central German Dental Technicians' Guild and owner of the Dental Studios Dörte Thie in Blankenfelde-Mahlow, the role of manager in the company is nothing new. It is entrepreneur in the craft industry since 1990. That the Work-life balance plays a special role for female bosses, Dörte Thie can only confirm: "The family is the decisive factor. Better framework conditions must be created here in order to inspire even more women to set up and manage a craft business to be able to," says Thie.

This would be the topic Flexible working hours In her experience, Thie says, women also bring Emotionality and a different style of communication as special leadership skills in teamwork. Her observation: "This makes it easier for a team to be enthusiastic about a task and carried along." Dörte Thie also points out: "Especially in larger craft businesses, there are mixed management teams. Here For example, women also take over the economic management of the company."

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