Flemish Autism Association
After a turbulent period, Vlaamse Vereniging Autisme needed to change course. The organisation needed new leadership, sharper focus and renewed energy. We helped it find all three, enabling the team to face its challenges with renewed determination. Vlaamse Vereniging Autisme is now well on its way to re-establishing itself as a strong and trusted point of contact for anyone with questions about living with autism.
“Appointing an interim manager was the best decision the board of Vlaamse Vereniging Autisme could have made. Together, they set about addressing the crisis within the organisation. As the new director, I am now reaping the benefits. I have the opportunity to start rebuilding with a clean slate. At the same time, I remain in close contact with Frederic and can turn to him whenever I encounter a difficulty. That gives me confidence.”
Linda Sonck
Director, VVA
The client
Vlaamse Vereniging Autisme seeks to inspire and mobilise society so that people with autism and those around them can be themselves, building on their strengths while recognising their specific needs.
By sharing information and creating opportunities for exchange, the organisation aims to deepen mutual understanding. Its activities include an introductory course, discussion evenings and meetings with people who have lived experience of autism. It also represents the interests of people with autism in its work with government and promotes a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of autism in the media.
The question
VVA had been through a turbulent period. Changes in the organisation’s leadership had disrupted its work, while the strain of operating in constant crisis mode was taking its toll on the team. Some team members had to step away, creating a vicious circle of understaffing and a lack of direction. When VVA approached S&L, it was looking not only for a new director, but also for a clearer direction and the stability needed to rebuild its foundations.
The impact
A fresh external perspective was needed, so we brought in an interim leader to work at the heart of the organisation. Working from within allowed us to identify the main pressure points and help lay the foundations for sustainable solutions.
Through conversations and close collaboration with the whole team, we mapped their skills, concerns and ambitions. This showed us where the organisation could regain energy—and where it had previously been losing it. A new strategic plan was written and submitted, and the organisation appointed a new director, who is now leading the work forward.
We completed urgent short-term projects efficiently before shifting our focus to sustainable, long-term solutions. We introduced new systems and processes: an integrated CRM now makes it easier to manage membership fees and newsletters. A successful office move marked a fresh start, while a new culture of open communication helps the organisation address inevitable friction constructively.
The challenge
Turning an organisation around takes energy—and that can be in short supply after a team has held things together through a prolonged period of upheaval. So we began by listening. Which structural issues were draining energy? What gave the team energy? And how could we improve support for its day-to-day work, freeing up more time for the bigger picture?
The second condition for lasting transformation was focus. There was no shortage of unfinished tasks or opportunities for collaboration, leaving the team unsure where to begin. We first dealt with the most pressing short-term issues and then defined a clear set of priorities. At the top of the list were systems that would provide greater calm, clarity and structure over the long term.
The collaboration
When you temporarily take over the leadership of an organisation, the support of its board and team is essential. VVA had that support in abundance: everyone within the organisation was willing to engage, listen and contribute valuable insights. Despite the difficult period the team had been through, everyone was ready to play their part in making the necessary changes.
Flemish Autism Association had support of these team members
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.
