Helmut Rosskopf with Yaryna Kutsyna

The German Helmut Rosskopf has proved that it is possible to be moral, spiritual and successful in business.

He is the founder of Rosskopf & Partner AG - a business enterprise mainly known in Europe. His success was founded on his steadfastness, energy and entrepreneurial vision. His strong ethical values and Christian convictions also played a part. I met Helmut Rosskopf at the annual business conference "Caux Initiatives for Business 2005" held at Asia Plateau, Panchgani. I knew he was a businessman but was surprised to learn that he was in fact a monk. I was curious to know how one could possibly combine spirituality and business and excel on both fronts.

There were some old stereotypes that came to mind like "Business cannot be ethical"; "A spiritual person is an ascetic who renounces worldly things"; "One can either be a businessman or a man of God but cannot combine both". I was fascinated and wanted to get his perspective. One evening I had a long conversation with him. Helmut Rosskopf's experiences changed my perception of previously held stereotypes. His story shines as a good example of harmony between the spiritual and material aspects of life.

Helmut Rosskopf was born in a small village in Southern Germany. He is the son of a carpenter. Growing up, he had two dreams: one to continue his father's workshop and two; to travel to New Zealand, a dream which is yet to be fulfilled. When he was 16 years old he took a decision that changed his life completely. While participating in a youth camp he felt a strong calling to serve God. His love for God inclined him to become a monk. He faced strong opposition from his family who had other plans for him. He asked God to help his parents understand and accept his decision. Sure enough, God answered.

When he was 24 years old, some brothers in the missionary encouraged him to launch his own business, as they felt Helmut had great talent and enterprise. The principle of the brotherhood is "ora et labora" serving God through prayer and practical work, especially through work one is good at. The brothers were encouraged to develop their talents to serve people while at the same time serving God. In 1984, he started his business a small carpenter's workshop. In 1994, Helmut Rosskopf began to rebuild the ancient Volkenroda Monastery in the Federal State of Thuringia where he now lives. Till date, it serves as a place of prayer and work, of reflection and responsibility for creation. It is a place of communal living and learning. From the carpenter's workshop his company grew rapidly and two subsidiaries were founded in former East Germany. In 2002, the company became a private shareholding with its registered office near the monastery. In its area of business, the company attained a position of market leadership and is well known not just in Germany.

Helmut Rosskopf believes that success cannot be achieved by using materials or machines alone. "It is the people that make the difference," he says. That is why he has concentrated his approach on building good relationships and partnerships based on trust with his customers and within his team. People, he emphasizes, are the main key to his success.

"I'm a happy person because I do the two things I have felt a calling for. I serve God and I serve people, doing the job I was dreaming of doing since childhood. In everything I do, I try to connect with God and he blesses my work. I begin my day with the morning service, a good time to face the day. I go to work with a prayer. I am familiar with the practice of a "quiet time", to reflect on life, current events, to hear God speaking in my heart.

I feel the presence of God all the time, in good times and in bad, which makes me realize that not everything is in my hands and it also makes me feel happy at what I have done. My spirituality and business run in parallel in my life without contradicting one another. My employees and I together have managed to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, honesty and transparency, where everyone feels good and comfortable. As in any corporation, conflicts are not unusual; it is part of human nature. Where there are people, there will always be conflicts. Different people have different opinions. The best way to deal with conflict is to communicate. It always helps. Life is not always about being happy and trouble free. It is my faith that makes me stand stronger when faced with difficulties."

"Looking below the surface" is the motto of Rosskopf & Partner AG and it is also the life credo for Helmut Rosskopf. "We work on the surface, but our understanding runs much deeper." Therefore his partner and he established 'The Ten Commandments of Success' which represent their attitude towards building and sustaining a business relationship.

"I believe that these ten commandments would be of great use to young managers who are starting their business careers and who are success-oriented," he advises.

The 10 commandments of success:
1. We stand for fairness and partnership.
2. We keep our promises.
3. We always provide high quality and service.
4. We offer individuality and exclusivity.
5. We are reliable and predictable.
6. We always seek and find the best solutions.
7. We are oriented to our customer's needs at all times.
8. We are unique in variety and know-how.
9. We are quick, efficient and punctual.
10. We offer transparent, full service.

Yaryna Kutsyna