Uit de Marge
The customer
Uit De Marge works for young people who find themselves on the margins of society, who fall by the wayside. The organization has a dual role: as a central point of contact, supporter and trainer for organizations that work with young people, and in a number of places they fulfill the first line function themselves. In some municipalities they have an operation that is locally bound.
The question
Initially, they were looking for an interim business coordinator, who could support the search for a new general coordinator. S&L has temporarily taken over this coordination, the board has stepped in and new people have gradually been sought and trained.
During interim management we try to answer questions that arise: who are we, what do we do, what cultural values do we have, what is our DNA, how do we interact with each other? Due to the change of guard and power, there was some tension in the organization, so our energy went to building a future trajectory - not externally, but as an internal compass.
After a new coordinator came in, we also started looking outward and determining the strategy. This took place in seven participatory sessions, with regular lines to the large team. The strategy process revolved around the question: what should we do to achieve our assignment in the best possible way? The result: a validated strategy by the board and a thorough starting point for the upcoming policy memorandum. They did that translation themselves, together with the new coordinator.
The challenge
There was a clear choice for this type of trajectory. This is a relatively small organization that must manage its resources very consciously. In the short term, there had to be a clear and supported strategic story, which could be further incorporated by a new coordinator. We are still present occasionally as a sounding board, but the initiation and rollout are done internally. This runs smoothly, partly thanks to the size of the organization.
Maret Dakaeva (photo: Katrijn Van Giel)
The collaboration
The cooperation went very well at all levels. The board was also involved and open, there was a strong feedback culture and space and trust for people to get started themselves and take up their place in the organization. During the recruitment procedure for the new coordinator, S&L was at the table and we were given the mandate to also make our voice heard.
Trust is important in every process, even when it comes to strategy. You connect with people, have a good conversation, listen to each individual (from employee to management) and thus best see their challenges. You also go along with their language in a conversation, there is no room for the frivolity of an external consultant who knows it all better. No, you will be standing in the mud as part of the organization. Only then is there room for honesty and can you offer added value as an S&L professional.
Uit De Marge is the initiator of Youth work against racism .
Does this case appeal to you?
We'd be happy to listen to the specific needs of your organization. We'll come as a pair to listen to your request and make an initial proposal. Based on the feedback and further co-creation, we'll provide a final proposal.
