"We were looking for a partner that could help us sharpen our vision and define our strategy, but also make it visual and tangible.”
Xelvin is a technical staffing agency that supports organizations through the deployment of highly educated technical professionals. In a market that is constantly changing, Xelvin felt the need to renew and sharpen its existing strategy. Not only on paper, but especially in the day-to-day practice of teams and employees.
The central question was how Xelvin could develop a future proof strategy that provides direction, inspires and offers concrete guidance for everyone in the organization. A strategy that does not remain abstract, but truly comes to life and is felt in the daily work of all teams.
For this trajectory, Xelvin asked Stay Future Proof as its strategic partner. Stay Future Proof was asked to support the renewal of the strategy and to translate it into a clear, visual and activating direction. Alrik Lamberink, COO of Xelvin and client of the trajectory, was closely involved in the process and the choices that were made along the way. Alrik says, “We were looking for a partner that could help us sharpen our vision and define our strategy, but also make it visual and tangible.”
Our approach
The strategic trajectory started with clarifying the strategic ambition and creating a shared vision of the future. Rather than immediately working out solutions, we took the time to thoroughly understand Xelvin’s context, challenges and opportunities. From there, the process gradually moved towards a common point on the horizon and a renewed strategy that provides direction for the coming years.
Stay Future Proof is known for its pressure cooker approach. Within just six weeks, the new strategy was defined, and teams were able to start working on its translation into practice. To support this, visual materials were developed, including a clear vision film, a vision map and a vision booklet.
Eefje Jonker, Strategy Designer and CEO of Stay Future Proof, led the trajectory on behalf of Stay Future Proof and worked closely with Xelvin’s management and teams. Eefje explains, “For challenges like these, we strongly believe in co-creation. A strategy only works if people recognize themselves in it and understand how they personally contribute. That is why we worked with Xelvin not only on the content of the strategy, but especially on how to bring it to life within the organization.”
The approach was characterized by a combination of strategic sharpness and imagination. Starting from Xelvin’s broader context, uncertainties in the market were explored and translated into ways for Xelvin to respond in an agile and future-oriented manner. The strategy was then translated into concrete and visual tools, including a vision film, a vision booklet and a vision map. These tools help communicate Xelvin’s course in an accessible way and make it easy to discuss throughout the organization.
As a final part of the approach, the strategy was translated into daily practice by developing OGSMs and roadmaps for all teams. Naturally, this was done in close collaboration with teams across the organization. By jointly defining goals, choices and priorities, a clear link was created between the strategic ambition and everyday work. Showing how each department and team contribute to the bigger picture. Alrik adds, “We all look back very positively on the trajectory and its outcomes. Across the organization, there is a strong sense that people work for a great company, because they were able to contribute to creating the strategy. That greatly increases engagement and ownership.”
Results
The guidance provided by Stay Future Proof brought structure, focus and momentum to the trajectory. By carefully building the process and actively involving teams, extensive support for the renewed strategy was created. The collaboration was experienced as equal and substantive, with room for both reflection and decision-making. As Alrik states, “The added value of Stay Future Proof is significant. Their extensive strategic experience, combined with a healthy dose of energy and enthusiasm, makes it a very pleasant collaboration for everyone involved.”
For Xelvin, this resulted in a clear strategic course that not only provides direction for management, but is also concretely applicable for teams throughout the organization. The vision film, vision booklet and vision map make the strategy visible and easy to discuss, while the OGSMs and roadmaps ensure focus and execution.
As a result, the strategy has moved off the page and becomes part of everyday behavior. Employees know what Xelvin stands for, where the organization is heading and how they can contribute to that ambition.
We would be happy to discuss how we can also make your organization future proof. Curious?
