Different is the world we live in right now and probably for quite some time to come. I have had the privilege of being part of the team that conducted an evaluation for an organization applying for the Global Excellence Award. Of all the years I have been an examiner regionally, nationally, internationally and within the sector, this one is the most different, but also the most creative.
Quite unusually, I start by praising us as a team. We managed to complete the award process with a team of seven people from seven different countries with a new model, a new system tool and all online. Only time will tell if we delivered value to the organization we evaluated, but they have at least expressed that the preparation and site visit exceeded their expectations.
The biggest challenges we predicted and in different ways managed to deal with were interviewing about 140 people in 2.5 days and managing to stay focused and engaged, getting a sense of culture and leadership, going through tons of material sent in advance and working together as a team without breakfast, lunch, dinner or coffee breaks. However, we missed personal meetings to get to know each other in the team and the people we met in the organization.
Imagine the possibilities of doing evaluations online and, above all, to see which stages it is suitable for and how we can combine it with physical meetings!
My personal reflections from this experience are: think about the possibilities of doing evaluations online and, above all, see which moments it is suitable for and how we can combine it with physical meetings. The availability of learning is enormous with the digital maturity "forced" during the pandemic. Relationships and approaches have become clearer. It is more a habit than an exception that the purpose and agenda of a meeting is made clear, that everyone listens to the speaker without interrupting, that clarifications are requested/made because we do not have the same opportunity to "interpret" body language, etc.
I am a person who wants to see opportunities and learning in every situation. That said, it goes without saying that I long to meet people, experience nuances and feel energy. So take care of yourself and your surroundings, stay healthy and spread good examples, so that you contribute to the common ability to adapt to the given conditions and drive development.
Do you have an example of a project that you implemented this year in a new and more successful way than before?
With kind regards
Britt-Marie Olsson
britt-marie.olsson@sj.se
Head of punctuality, SJ