At the heart of a collaborative organization that serves two municipalities, Wolden and Hoogeveen, Willemijn Meerveld, communications team leader, is a key figure in a fascinating development process. Eight years after the merger of employees from both municipalities, the recent appointment of a new management has initiated organisational changes. As an organizational development process supervisor, Willemijn heads a team of program managers and project leaders who deal with cultural, structural and process aspects.
Willemijn Meerveld
Organizational development process supervisor
Read the whole story of Collaboration Organization De Wolden/Hoogeveen
The power of collaboration: Painting Core values
The mission: connecting through core values
The past year was all about formulating a mission, vision and core values for the collaborative organization. The management considered this foundation, built on connection, trust, and ownership, to be essential. To internalize these core values, a special afternoon was organized in September in which the core values were central. With only 3-4 weeks of preparation time, Willemijn discovered Windshift via Google and presented two options to the management: The Big Picture and building racing cars. The choice fell on painting, and the challenge was taken up to realize this for 500 people in just three weeks.
The outcome: amazement and connection
The tension was palpable because this was a concept that had not been tried before. There were 'let's see' polls, but the activity exceeded all expectations. Participants participated enthusiastically, and the denouement was a moment not soon to be forgotten. Three canvases were created, each dedicated to a core value. Trust and connection emerged during the collaboration, and the bigger picture became clear. The result was more than Willemijn had dared to dream.
Impact and memories: before and after the activity
The impact of the activity was palpable, with a clear distinction between 'before' and 'after'. In groups with strangers, a lightness arose that is still noticeable, such as when the team members refer to the activity. The connection has been strengthened, and the paintings have been given a tangible place at the staff entrance of various branches. This day laid the foundation for the further development of the VVE: connection, trust and ownership.
Ensuring liveliness: symbols in everyday life
The day after the activity, a carpenter collected the paintings and placed them at the staff entrance of various branches. “This is how we keep it alive,” says Willemijn. A VVE program has also been launched around the core values of connecting, trust and ownership. This concerns matters such as 'How should I behave?' and 'What is expected of me?'.
The paintings still come up regularly in conversations. Especially that of a doll that just didn't quite work out. Willemijn tells with a smile how the torso and legs fit together perfectly, but the head hangs a few centimetres off. In other words, the communication between the team's torso and legs went smoothly, while there was still some noise on the line with the team head. Willemijn also regularly hears colleagues talking while painting, for example, pointing to a square they have painted. So, things seem to be going well with ownership.
The Windshift experience: smooth, personal and unforgettable
Organizing such an event for 500 people in such a short time seems almost impossible, but the collaboration with Windshift went more than smoothly. Despite the short preparation time, location issues were resolved promptly, demonstrating the team's flexibility and accessibility. Windshift not only involved the organization but also made personal contact with everyone involved, making the activity accessible and valuable to everyone within the organization.
The painting at the staff entrance is not just a work of art; it has become a symbol of connection, trust and ownership. Thanks to this joint creation, the impact of the team-building activity will be felt for a long time by Willemijn and the entire organization.
Are you curious about what we can do for your organization? Please contact us without obligation. We are happy to help you choose a suitable activity.
