Gekkoo vzw
An organisation’s structure should support its purpose, and leaders play a crucial role in making that happen. They guide the organisation while inspiring, supporting and coaching colleagues to deliver its ambitions and impact. At Gekkoo, they are fully committed to doing just that.
The client
Gekkoo grew out of Kindervreugd and organises playground activities and day camps in Antwerp. But its ambition extends much further: Gekkoo wants every young child in an urban area to have easy access to safe places where they can play together in their free time.
The question
In recent years, Gekkoo has focused on clarifying the impact it wants to achieve and putting its mission into practice more widely. During this transition, colleagues discovered new strengths and, taking greater ownership, stepped into more leadership responsibilities. However, this also created some confusion about roles and brought the risk of the organisation becoming top-heavy.
When one of its managers announced their departure, Gekkoo saw an opportunity to rethink its organisational structure. It brought forward a planned efficiency review and set a course towards becoming a financially resilient organisation.
The impact
Together with the managers—now known as the leadership team—we got to work. Before delving into the details, we identified the key values and principles that should underpin Gekkoo’s organisational structure. We then mapped the managers’ existing roles and responsibilities, revealing where changes were needed.
“What are we not doing?” proved to be a valuable question. Step by step, and drawing on everyone’s input, we designed the best possible structure. S&L helped Gekkoo embed these changes, while involving every colleague proved essential to making them last.
The challenge
Stepping into a redefined role while supporting colleagues is no easy task. Change can create confusion and prompt a range of reactions. Gekkoo’s leaders therefore kept the conversation going, made the benefits of the new structure visible and continued to inspire and motivate their team.
Changing an organisation’s structure also changes its culture. Seeing your own position shift and adapting your behaviour accordingly can create uncertainty. Throughout this process, leaders need to take a clear position, bring unspoken concerns into the open and show courage. This requires a careful balance between vulnerability and confidence.
The collaboration
Trust was at the heart of our collaboration: trust in Gekkoo’s knowledge and capabilities, and trust in S&L’s expertise. That mutual trust made the partnership valuable for everyone involved.
“As a leader, you make decisions that not everyone will agree with. By opening up the conversation and listening to different perspectives—including those that remain beneath the surface—you can tap into the collective wisdom of the group.
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One for the road – tips from Eva Claes, General Coordinator of Gekkoo vzw
As a leader, you make decisions that not everyone will agree with. By opening up the conversation and listening to different perspectives—including what remains beneath the surface—you can tap into the collective wisdom of the group.
During this short but intense process, I also realised that leadership requires the courage to encourage colleagues to take the leap or make a decision—and then stand behind that decision. Creating a safe working environment in which everyone can experience ownership and trust remains my greatest challenge.
- Use KISS as a guiding principle: “Keep it simple, stupid.”
- Have the courage to put difficult issues on the table. You may know that doing so will not make you popular, but it is essential if you want to take the right steps and create space to discuss everything openly.
- Think of the Santiago de Compostela approach. You share a destination, but the journey matters just as much—and you shape it together as you go.
Does this case appeal to you?
We would be happy to discuss your organisation’s specific needs. Two of our consultants will meet with you to explore your request and develop an initial proposal. Based on your feedback and further co-creation, we will then prepare a final proposal.
