But why are self-organized, cross-departmental networks even needed? The #z20guides at Audi help with more than just the company’s digitalization offensives and transformation programs. With no hurdles or hierarchies, the guides show their colleagues how to use new digital tools productively in their everyday work and how to develop a culture of cooperation and collaboration that suits the hybrid, flexible work environment of today and tomorrow. “The goal is thus not only to get better at handling IT tools, but also and especially to establish a new togetherness within the company,” Rettenmeier said. It’s all about promoting collegial support and dismantling silos. And this concept is being very well received. Having started with 15 Audi employees in the year 2018, the network now numbers more than 300 members. “The guides come from a variety of business divisions and are trained for their tasks on a regular basis. In bimonthly meetups, the guides use concrete examples to show Audi employees tips and tricks on how they can improve their everyday work lives. The guides in turn train each other and stay in regular contact through ‘guide calls’, because shared knowledge drives the four rings forward,” said Stefanie Klarner, who organizes the meetups.