LESSONS LEARNED
By Digna / September 29, 2022
Day care without indications: Samenkracht project
1. Ensure continuity in the people participating in the meeting.
Note: Be aware that you've walked a path together and built something together in terms of trust, content, and intentions. It doesn't work well if people join who don't have this context and history. It can even be quite counterproductive.
So: if, against all expectations, changes are necessary, or if certain additional expertise is required: properly introduce these people to the way of working and the idea behind it, and see whether it is also someone who can work in this way; does this person have the skills?
2. Transparent communication
The "difficult" topics, such as finance and transportation, seemed to be passed around like hot potatoes. We're no strangers to human nature. However, when we put them on the agenda and really started discussing them, including the concerns surrounding these issues, a viable path for dealing with them quickly emerged.
It's therefore important not to let "difficult issues" simmer, but to name them, bring them to the forefront, and discuss them. If you dare to be vulnerable and say where you or your organization are struggling, for whatever reason, there's a greater chance the other person will do the same, and you'll ultimately arrive at a high-quality solution.
As long as you don't discuss these things, they'll remain "floating," and the positive energy won't enter, but will leak away. Another important thing: ask the other person questions and try to think about both, rather than either.
3. Get to know each other and give each other something
Explanation: Because we initially only spoke digitally due to the coronavirus pandemic, the process of getting to know each other was slow to begin. That changed when we met in person on Nelleke's terrace, enjoying the Zeeland sun and wind. A lot also changed when we each started looking into each other's kitchens. That immediately created a different dynamic.
It's good to take the time every now and then to continue doing this, to reach out to each other, to truly connect, and to see what everyone is working on. Only then can we further develop our partnership and generate good and smart ideas for the future!
All this based on the idea and principle: your success = my success = our success!
4. Spread the word and explain yourself further
Explanation: Only you know what it takes to make it work within your organization in the way you advocate. Engage people in this, spread the word, and inspire them; only you can create buy-in within your organization. Perhaps you could even get on the soapbox together in the future? That would make an impression and have an impact...
Conversely: if you encounter obstacles you can't overcome, let the group know, ask for help in a timely manner, and also submit a proposal/request for what you need. Don't wait until the last minute; be proactive!
5. How do we keep it alive in our busy working lives?
Explanation: The reality is that everyone at healthcare organizations and the municipality is busy, sometimes even overworked, especially in the crazy times we've had. Yet, at some point in our journey, we found ourselves with a lot of energy to think of the right things, create the project plan, a presentation, etc.
Of course, writing this project plan doesn’t mean the end of the process: it’s only just beginning.
It will only work well (and continue to work) if we all work together and continue to invest in connections, knowledge sharing, and so on. Think together about what can support and help with this. How do we ensure that participating isn't a "mandatory," but that you genuinely benefit from it, learn from it, and have fun?
And sometimes it can also be helpful to have an external, neutral person oversee the difficult issues. Together, they can examine any unhelpful patterns or perceptions that have developed. Performing this kind of annual MOT can help us stay on track and untangle the mess. It also ensures that things don't pile up, but are discussed before they escalate or become stuck.
Would you also like to learn how to make agreements according to the Rechtmakers method?
What gives you a contract that is supported by everyone?
A contract that is effective and that works for you?
Instead of being inhibited and risk-averse based on solidified distrust?
Perhaps the interactive course offered by De Rechtmakers is right for you. This 5-day course is open to both legal and non-legal professionals and starts in mid-November 2022. There are still a limited number of places available.
You'll learn from expert Digna de Bruin and experienced guest lecturers. You'll receive practical examples and ample opportunity to practice facilitating (or participating in) the collaborative process that characterizes Rechtmakers. You'll meet like-minded individuals with whom you can exchange ideas. And after the course, you can join the Rechtmakers community.
Click here for more information.
