Zeelandia
Zeelandia Groep, based in Zierikzee, is an international producer of ingredients for bakery and pastry companies.
In the Netherlands, around 430 employees work for the organisation. Zeelandia had a clear ambition: to drive a cultural transformation. They wanted to fully tap into the strength, initiative and entrepreneurship of their people. Before speaking with training providers, they had already defined a clear leadership profile and set up a project group representing different layers of the business. The group unanimously chose NONONS and so we got to work.
We developed a leadership programme for the executive board, managers and employees. First, specific learning objectives were defined for both leaders and employees, which we translated into two training tracks, both focused on the theme of “taking ownership”.
During the first six months, our trainers travelled back and forth to Zierikzee to work with managers on all principles of coaching leadership: learning how to take responsibility themselves while placing maximum ownership with employees. For employees, we designed a separate personal leadership training called “Own Your Strength”. All 300 employees participated. The programme consisted of two separate training days during which participants learned to take ownership, speak up, and practise extensively with trained actors.
The training has been highly valued, particularly because the entire organisation now speaks the same language when it comes to ownership. Leaders feel more confident in their role and are better equipped to give and receive constructive feedback. Some employee groups were initially hesitant, largely due to fear of the unknown. But despite the training being mandatory, participants rated the experience an average score of 8.6. The outcome: increased confidence among leaders and employees, and a more open and honest organisational culture.
Zeelandia and NONONS have committed to a long-term partnership. In the coming years, we will continue to deepen the skills developed and identify what is needed to keep these capabilities sharp and embedded in the organisation.
