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Experience talks
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Tekfen veterans who have been with the company for 30 and 40 years shared their unforgettable
memories, words of advice, and the meaning of being a member of the Tekfen family -or as they
call it, being a “Tekfenist”- with the new recruits.
What does itmean for you to be part of the Tekfen family?
It’s like being a member of a very prestigious club. It adds to your name and your value; of course, you
must be in line with those values! Apprenticeship is long and difficult, but once you are one of the staff,
it’s great and satisfying to be in this family. The sense of belonging is strong in the group, which is also
honest and cares for the environment. You become like a soccer fan – achievements make you happy,
hard times make you sad, and you try to think of a way to make a contribution. That’s what being a
member of Tekfen is or rather a “Tekfenist” is like.
What would your advice be to youngpeople just starting at Tekfen?
Prove yourself by working hard. Be patient and know that you will be promoted when you deserve it –
don’t begin to haggle with your superiors on your first day about when you will be promoted to head or
manager. Focus on targets and results. Be succinct and clear when you speak and in your reports, and avoid
verbiage. Learn to manage your time effectively. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t put off your decisions; learn to
decide as quickly as possible. Plan your work well, and execute your plans; avoid working without planning.
ErhanÖner
Member of Board of Directors, Chief Advisor, Tekfen Holding
What does it mean
for you to be part of
the Tekfen family?
It means having an ad-
venturous life, accept-
ing self-sacrifice from
the beginning, and al-
ways being hungry for
success.
What would your
advice be to young
people just starting
at Tekfen?
Qui va piano va sano,
qui va sano va lontano
– go slowly and you
will go safely; go safely
and you will go far.
Ümit Özdemir
Vice President,
Contracting Group,
Tekfen Holding
What does itmean for you to be part of the Tekfen family?
I have always been proud to be member of a group that focuses on do-
ing its work in line with science and technology rather than on mere
profits, and always pays wages on time, no matter how strained its fi-
nancial situation may be.
What would your advice be to young people just starting at
Tekfen?
It’s always the same: read and work. Share your knowledge and experi-
ence with young colleagues as well as your superiors. If you receive an
order that you know is wrong, warn your superior. If they insist, tell
them you will do it only because they want you to, and tell them what
you believe to be right. A company cannot go forward with blind obedi-
ence. Similarly, I would advise managers to listen to those working un-
der them and take into serious consideration the things they say.
Mehmet Kösebay
Advisor, Tekfen Real Estate
Tunç Şarman
Advisor, Tekfen
Manufacturing
What does itmean for you to be part of the Tekfen family?
Tekfen is the first company I have worked for, and the last. I have been actively
working here for 42 years, serving mostly in senior positions. This long period
was one of peaceful work under the safe shadow of an age-old plane tree. I have
always felt motivated by the endless, fast-paced, stressful work conditions of
the contracting sector. As a team, we always aimed for progress and perfection.
During these years, I have naturally made some great and permanent friends.
In short, Tekfen means “my entire professional life” to me.
What would your advice be to youngpeople just starting at Tekfen?
Whatever your educational background, you won’t be making your career at
Tekfen in just a few years. You need to work hard and be patient, knowing that
you will rise one step at a time. Team work and good relations with colleagues
is also important. But most of all, the key to success is choosing the path that
suits your character and planning your life in order to go forward on that path.