In the fast-paced and intricate world, organisations are dedicated to cultivating a united and harmonious work environment. While diversity is highly regarded and often celebrated, it is worthwhile to consider the advantages of shared values within organisations. By acknowledging the significance of common values, organisations can tap into the power of like-minded individuals to foster value creation, a healthy work environment, and ultimately achieve success. This article aims to explore how organisations can integrate their diversity policies with the concept of shared values. I contend that organisations should strive for a balance that enables them to embrace both the strength of shared values and the richness of diversity, resulting in a dynamic and inclusive work environment that helps organisations to thrive and flourish.

Embarking on a hiking expedition in the majestic Dolomites, a group of adventurers gathered at their cozy hut situated at an impressive altitude of 1750 meters. With a slight chill in the evening air, the stage was set for an unforgettable journey. Let us delve into the captivating tale of Florian, Zarina, Leila, Rik, Eliana, Daniel, Siyana, Emilia, Louisa, Anapaula, Loise, and Ines as they ventured into the enchanting world of the mountains. Enjoying and learning how to thrive in a world full of surprises.

Recently, a group of Windesheim GPCM students approached me with a query on how to effectively utilise the VucaCanvas framework. The students expressed a preference for an outdoor learning experience, specifically a mountain hike in the stunning Dolomites (Italy). This idea is a brilliant and stimulating approach to mastering the art of dealing with challenges and surprises in the midst of an adventure-filled mountain hike. In this post, I will explain why outdoor activities such as this one represent the quintessential learning opportunity for navigating VUCA environments.

As a change-leader or manager, one of your primary responsibilities is to ensure that your organisation is able to navigate change succesfully. This means having a clear understanding of the change process and the tools and resources available to support it. One such resource is the VucaCanvas, which is explained in detail on vucacanvas.com. In this article, we’ll explore what the VucaCanvas is and how it can be used to support an effective strategic planning process.

In today's interconnected world, understanding the shared values and collective identity of teams, organisations, and communities has become crucial. ValueMaps, a powerful tool, offers a unique approach to revealing and visualising these collective identities. By drawing inspiration from Erving Goffman's 'The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life', social constructionism, and Carl Jung's archetypes, ValueMaps provides a comprehensive framework for exploring and understanding shared values and identities.

As a manager, you know how important it is to create a strong organisational culture that aligns with your organisation's goals and values. A strong organisational culture helps attract and retain top talent, increases productivity and engagement, and creates a sense of purpose and direction for employees. One powerful tool for building a strong organisational culture is the use of ValueMaps. In this article, we will explore the concept of ValueMaps, how they work, and how to use them to build a strong culture.

Once upon a time, in a picturesque village nestled at the foot of majestic mountains, lived a young girl named Sanne. Sanne possessed an insatiable curiosity and an adventurous spirit that set her apart from the others. One day, as she wandered through a hidden part of the forest, she stumbled upon an ancient chest adorned with mystical symbols. Inside the chest, she discovered a magical manifest titled "The Enchanted Capacities: Thriving in the Realm of Magic." Intrigued by its ethereal aura, Sanne eagerly immersed herself in its enchanting words.

The concept of a participatory urban development approach aims to involve various stakeholders, including residents, entrepreneurs, and organisations, in the process of planning, designing, and developing cities and urban spaces. This approach recognises the importance of local knowledge, expertise, and input in shaping the future of urban areas.

Our mettle is being radically stress-tested now. What used to be hypotheticals – “What if our world was dramatically altered?” – have become today’s realities. The global pandemic is just one of a number of social, economic and technological shocks that are creating internal whiplash for businesses and organizations of every stripe and size. The acronym “VUCA” – shorthand for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous – captures the zeitgeist of the times with uncanny precision.

Changes in legislation and in the childcare scene in the Netherlands pushed Stichting Peutercentra Arnhem (SPA) to distinguish itself from aggressive competitors in the region. ChangeLabs helped the organization to rethink and transform its market position and to build a strong organisational identity over competitors.

A change project by Humap (Finland) in collaboration with ChangeLabs. In 2015, Cadmatic bought the Dutch software company NCG with which it had been cooperating for a couple of decades. After the acquisition, the goal was to combine the operations of the two companies and build a single, global organisation.

Neerbosch district in the Dutch city of Nijmegen celebrated its 50 years of existence in 2015. The golden jubilee celebrations brought attention to the district’s history, but were also an occasion to plan the future of the neighborhood for the next generations. Rik Berbé (ChangeLabs) was chosen to be part of the urban planning project to support the district’s leadership during the full process.

Have you ever wondered how we can effectively address the complex challenges faced by organisations and urban places? Enter ChangeLabs – dynamic spaces designed for open collaboration and the co-creation of solutions. In this blog, we'll delve into the why, what, and how of ChangeLabs, exploring their purpose, methodologies, and their potential to drive transformative change.

While there is existing research on the adaptability and resilience of human beings in complex environments, there remains a significant knowledge gap regarding the specific capacities and attributes that contribute to thriving and flourishing in such contexts. Understanding these essential human capabilities and their implications for personal and collective well-being is crucial for developing strategies and interventions to enhance human thriving in an increasingly complex world. By addressing this knowledge gap, we can gain valuable insights into the strengths and potential areas for growth in organisations and societies, ultimately fostering new opportunities and driving positive change in a VUCA world.

This research paper addresses the challenges of understanding and visualising collective identity and shared values in human systems. It introduces the ValueMaps framework as a research-based model, drawing upon theoretical frameworks like Goffman's theory of social interaction. Innovative visualisation techniques, such as interactive maps enhance comprehension and engagement. The ValueMaps framework allows for analysing the interplay of individual and group values, providing insights into decision-making processes and social dynamics. By exploring methodological considerations and cultural nuances, this research contributes to a comprehensive understanding and visualising of collective identity and shared values.