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The 'Fertile Soil' Check

FERTILE SOIL – JUST FEEL WHERE YOU STAND

Extensive collaboration doesn't just happen. Just like gardening, it starts with feeling: what's already fertile here, what can grow, and where isn't (yet) suitable? Therefore, this check isn't an exam, but a sliding scale to gain insight into the starting situation together.

The green signals demonstrate which basic conditions are necessary if you opt for far-reaching, transformative collaboration.

The doubt category marks space to grow.

The red signals indicate that this method of contracting is not appropriate here — in which case a more conventional form of contracting is often wiser.

Important to know: This approach is intended for building sustainable, long-term collaborations, not for one-off transactions or purely transactional relationships. Use this check as an invitation to reflect: to explore what you want to achieve together and what's realistic. We're happy to brainstorm with you. Not with a grade, but with a proposal that aligns with your ambition and context. (And yes: even soil that currently appears barren can become fertile—but not every soil requires the same crop.)

Green signals

Suitable for sustainable, multi-year collaboration in which learning and adjustment are part of the agreement.

This helps:

  • Administrative choice & support (getting on board in words and deeds), reciprocity (mutual gains).
  • A sense of urgency and courage to step outside your comfort zone and look beyond your own organizational interests.
  • Dedicated team with representation of parties.
  • We involve all levels in consultation: residents, professionals, administrators, supervisors.
  • We reserve time and rhythm for the joint process.
  • Working transparently: sharing insights, doubts and dilemmas.
  • We acknowledge uncertainty and make room for it in the agreements.
  • Neutrality & independence of De Rechtmakers is agreed.

DOUBT

There is growth potential, provided all parties are willing to open up to it and invest time and attention.

'Can still mature':

  • Goal/intention not clear or differs per party.

  • Roles/mandate still unclear; many changes in staffing.

  • Inability to act, also among managers, this is known/recognised.

  • Images from the past create noise on the line, but it is open to discussion.

RED SIGNALS

Our contracting method is not appropriate for these signals.
A more transactional or classical form of contract would then be more obvious.

This hinders:

  • No administrative choice or support is lacking.
  • No capacity for meetings or answering questions.
  • No active participation from the partners, 'just write something at your desk'.
  • Silos: we hold information close to our chest and suppress tensions.
  • Transactional regulating; no room for learning and adjustment.
  • Hiding behind a lawyer or rules.
  • No willingness or ability for self-reflection.
  • Dysfunctional conflict (silent or escalated).
  • Mandate and budget unclear; no one feels ownership.

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