Meet:
Bruno Klekamp
Change Agent
BACKGROUND
Psychologist, trainer and coach. Born and raised in Ommen and since my 18e Living and working in Amsterdam. As a young boy, I became very interested in human behaviour and group dynamics and, after some detours, started working as a psychologist. I deal mostly with organisational change, conflict, communication and group dynamics. I also coach TV candidates before, during and after they participate in TV programmes.
We are for real
I can't do my job well if I have to hold up a certain image that doesn't suit me or is socially desirable. I also like to share in sessions examples where things went wrong and I went on my record. Learning from painful and unpleasant situations is of course useful but it is sometimes difficult to get those situations discussed. When I take the lead in vulnerability, it contributes to a safe and open dynamic in which people dare to confront themselves (and others).
We are of the wall
I have dealt with a somewhat atypical path from a lazy hotel school student from a village to independent psychologist in the big city. I got a late start as a student and went through MBO, HBO and WO. In my master's I got eights, but everything before that went by the skin of my teeth. During and after my studies, I made excursions into psychiatry and operational management roles, among others, and worked with both very analytical and very practical people. That collection of diverse experiences means I can now get on the same level with a variety of people. In addition, I have a big head of curls and am 1.95 metres tall. So being 'of the wall' comes a bit naturally.
We innovate for tomorrow
Every year, I try to do some training or course within our field. If I don't try something new for a long time and catch myself on automatic pilot, it makes me restless and I am afraid I will come to a standstill. This can also sometimes lead to me playing a bit of panic football and starting all sorts of things. That will probably not always be effective, but I do believe it keeps me developing. And I also enjoy doing all sorts of things at the same time.
We float like a butterfly and sting like a bee
By nature, I am quite conflict-averse. I have had to learn to be comfortable with confronting someone because before, that easily felt conflictual. I once read in a study that many people in conflict tend to make the consequences of that conflict much bigger and worse than they actually are. That was not only recognisable to me, but also a very helpful thought to poke through more often and harder in sessions when necessary. I still sometimes find that exciting to do, but in my experience it usually leads to a deeper, more open and better follow-up.
We score without compromises
I don't do well with lifeless sessions and meetings. And I've never come across anyone who does. It doesn't always work (yet 😉 ), but at least in my work, I always try to do something that causes some stir. 'Scoring' - in our context - means that everyone who works with us learns or experiences something that moves them forward with regard to personal or organisational goals. This requires energy and some healthy excitement. And it's just a lot more fun to learn that way.