200 days after Velen: The power of self-organization
How our new way of working is positively changing internal collaboration and customer relationships
Our agency has undergone exciting changes over the past 200 days. Last year, as part of a multi-day workshop in Velen, Muensterland, we decided on a new form of organization based on self-organization, cross-functionality and strong customer loyalty. In this blog post we would like to bring you closer to the positive experiences with this form of work and show the advantages for both our internal cooperation and our customer relationships.
Efficiency through self-organization
The introduction of self-organized, cross-functional teams has raised our internal collaboration to a new level. Instead of a traditional hierarchy, we have opted for flat structures in which each team member takes an active role in decision-making. This form of self-organization has not only led to increased efficiency, but also to a significant improvement in team dynamics and motivation.
Flexibility and expertise for our customers
Our two teams "Sphinx" and "Phoenix" are now firmly assigned to the customers, which leads to a close bond and a deep understanding of their individual needs. This customer loyalty enables us to offer tailor-made solutions and to react quickly to requirements and changes. The cross-functional composition of our teams enables us to contribute a wide range of expertise and skills to effectively manage complex projects. This flexibility allows us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions and offer our customers outstanding support.
In addition, there is an overarching service team that provides the other two teams with supporting services such as IT infrastructure, accounting, personnel administration, etc.
Transparent communication
One of the pillars of our new organizational form is open and transparent communication, both internally and with our customers. Regular team meetings, feedback rounds and interactive workshops enable us to tackle challenges, exchange best practices and learn from one another. This culture of open dialogue not only contributes to the continuous improvement of our work, but also strengthens the bond with our customers, who are actively involved in the process.
Attractiveness for potential applicants
However, the introduction of this innovative form of organization should not only improve our internal cooperation and customer relationships, but also increase the attractiveness of our agency for potential applicants. The opportunity to work in a self-organized, cross-functional team and to work closely with our customers offers an excellent opportunity for personal and professional development. The flat hierarchies and the strong involvement of each team member create an inspiring work environment that promotes creativity and personal responsibility.
Challenges
At this point we do not want to hide the challenges that the changes have brought with them. The fixed division of teams and customers also requires some difficult decisions. Colleagues with whom you have worked well and with pleasure on many projects suddenly no longer find themselves in your own team. The same applies to customers from whom you first have to say goodbye. We have tried to accommodate as many requests as possible, but we have to admit that this is not always possible. Frustration and anger were also part of the way. You have to endure that, and it helps to realize that none of the decisions made have to and will not last forever. The constantly changing requirements and needs will force us to repeatedly put the current status quo to the test and to look for better solutions.
We made a significant change within the first 200 days and reduced the number of teams from the original three to two. Whether that will remain so in the long run ... we'll see.
Conclusion
Our decision to reorganize our agency into two permanent, self-organized, cross-functional teams with strong customer relationships has proven to be the right one. The advantages of this form of work are manifold and range from increased efficiency and flexibility to transparent communication and an attractive working environment for potential applicants. We are convinced of the positive effects on our daily work and our customer relationships.
Of course, the journey is far from over and never will be. We will keep you up to date on the further course of our journey in this blog.
If you are looking for an agency that relies on self-organization and close customer relationships, if you want to learn more about how we work and the current teams, or if you want to be part of a team that tackles the challenges of digital communication with passion and innovative strength, then we look forward to hearing from you.
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