A safe culture for risk
The learning journey to risk leadership at UWV
UWV faced a major challenge: to better equip managers and employees to identify and discuss high-risk situations. The organisation needed a culture where open communication about risk was not only possible, but also encouraged. But how do you create an environment where people feel safe enough to speak up? What are the obstacles and how do you tackle such conversations?
To meet this challenge, UWV engaged Mind Work Productions to develop and implement a comprehensive learning programme for more than 1,100 managers and executives, based on Martin van Staveren's Risk Leadership mindset. This complex issue required a careful approach, involving good co-creation and learning
of lessons from pilots were essential to the success of the pathway.
The journey, which took place on three crucial levels-culture (am I allowed to do this?), skills (can I do this?) and beliefs (do I dare and want to do this?)-began with a creative and playful introduction. 'The Risks Turn By', a dynamic 'television programme', brought together guests such as the Board of Directors, Martin van Staveren and experts by experience to introduce the concept of risk leadership. Participants had read the book 'Risk Leadership' in preparation, making them well prepared to put the theories and principles into practice during the training sessions.
Job breakers
Shaping new leadership within UWV
UWV's Job Breakers programme is the prime example of how new leadership can be shaped and strengthened within a year's time. This dynamic leadership programme is specifically designed for new UWV managers, with the mission not only to let them explore the complex world of UWV, but also to equip them to navigate within this organisation, hone their leadership skills, and strike a perfect balance between their unique leadership style and UWV's corporate culture.
During this year, participants dive deep into a wide range of activities, from master classes and work visits to gain UWV knowledge, to intensive multi-day events where they work on their leadership through a Hackathon and work on innovation through a Dragathon. Every aspect of the programme aims not only to provide managers with knowledge and skills, but rather to give them practical tools that they can immediately apply in their daily work.
Central to the Job Breakers programme are personal change assignments, which are discussed in reflection meetings. These change assignments form the practical test environment in which the new leaders put their acquired knowledge and skills into practice, supported by personal coaching and feedback from colleagues.
The interaction with guest speakers from the Executive Board, key figures from the social domain and UWV colleagues, enriches the learning experience and offers unique insights into UWV's broader impact within the Netherlands. Moreover, participants use innovative learning methods such as serious gaming, walking podcasts and flipped classroom techniques, which make learning lively and interactive.
The result? A new generation of UWV leaders who have not only strengthened their leadership skills, but also confidently deploy their authenticity within the dynamic context of UWV. The positive feedback and lasting relationships built during the programme are testimony to a successful co-creation that takes all involved to the next level.
This is Job Breakers: not an ordinary programme, but a turning point for future leadership within UWV. An adventure that explores and strengthens every aspect of leadership, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
New leadership through team development
UWV strengthens leadership and collaboration
At UWV, a significant organisational restructuring was on the agenda within one of the divisions. A fresh start was made with a new, less layered organisational layout and a clear division of regions. This structural change brought significant benefits for both internal operations and customer service. For instance, lines of communication became shorter and customer cases were looked at more holistically.
However, the revision of the organisational layout also had major consequences for the management teams. Responsibilities were rearranged and the teams became larger, bringing new challenges for the cooperation and division of tasks within these teams. To make this transition run smoothly and allow the management teams to operate effectively within the new structure, a development process was initiated for each of the 20 management teams within this division.
A comprehensive pathway was designed in co-creation with UWV. This trajectory consisted of a series of tailor-made interventions that supported the teams in taking responsibility from a basis of safety and trust.
The focus was on strengthening the leadership profile, deepening understanding of own and each other's talents, and managing effectively in larger teams.
This development process resulted in management teams that were stronger and more cohesive, better able to manage collectively, and achieving increased employee satisfaction and engagement. With this revised approach to management development, UWV demonstrated its readiness for future challenges by taking leadership and collaboration within the organisation to the next level.
To meet this challenge, UWV engaged Mind Work Productions to develop and implement a comprehensive learning trajectory for more than 1,100 managers and executives, based on Martin van Staveren's Risk Leadership mindset. This complex issue required a careful approach, in which good co-creation and learning lessons from pilots were essential for the success of the programme.
UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen) is a Dutch government agency responsible for implementing employee insurance schemes, such as the WW (unemployment benefit), WIA (disability benefit), and the Sickness Benefits Act. UWV also supports people in finding work and advises employers on personnel and social schemes.
