Empowering Strategic Problem Solving Within a Traditional Company
Teun, CEO of a successful design and manufacturing firm, wanted his employees to become more strategic thinkers and proactive problem-solvers.
Empowering Strategic Problem Solving Within a Traditional Company
Teun is the founder and CEO of a thriving design and production firm with several hundred employees. He's known as a traditional leader—first to arrive, last to leave, with everything tightly under control. While his employees respect him greatly, Teun recognized a missed opportunity: his team was capable of deeper strategic thinking and independent problem-solving, but weren't fully empowered to do so.
The Challenge
Teun wanted his employees to confidently analyze problems, generate innovative solutions, and actively implement changes. However, simply arranging large-scale motivational sessions wasn't effective. He wanted real, sustainable changes rather than just momentary inspiration.
Our Approach
We started modestly: a voluntary workshop combining traditional training elements and Serious Gaming, focusing on analytical thinking, problem-solving, and practical implementation. Serious Gaming proved particularly effective, as it actively engaged participants and allowed them to experience firsthand the impact of their decisions and strategies.
After a successful initial session, Teun proposed a larger session from the "big stage" at their annual company event. I advised against a purely inspirational session because real change requires personal commitment and genuine interest.
We reached a compromise: I provided a brief, energetic introduction from the big stage, clearly inviting interested employees to engage further. This led to 15 highly motivated participants stepping forward.
Together with Teun, we formed small groups based on personalities, roles, and interests. Each group attended intensive three-day sessions off-site, acquiring practical skills in analytical thinking and strategic implementation tailored specifically to their roles, again using Serious Gaming as a core methodology to maximize engagement and learning.
Concrete Results
Each participant left with a clear, practical plan and timeline for implementation. I continued offering individual guidance during the implementation phases.
Teun initially worried about the small number of participants, but soon realized the effectiveness of a motivated minority driving meaningful changes:
“At first, I wondered if 15 participants out of hundreds was enough. But I’ve learned that meaningful change starts small. Each committed person who genuinely improves something is invaluable.”
Ongoing Impact
Years later, the success continues. Annual workshops attract motivated new groups who genuinely drive strategic improvements. The impact spreads naturally through the company, continuously enhancing productivity, strategic thinking, and employee empowerment:
“My goal is that no one ever says, ‘We knew something was wrong, but nobody could fix it.’ These sessions empower our people to create real solutions—that’s their responsibility, and I give them the space to take it.”
The collaboration has proven sustainable, effective, and deeply valued, both by Teun and by his employees.