Why a Tour d’Amour?
Renée-Andrée explains: "Of course even I sometimes wonder if I still believe in this. Because when things don’t go as you had all imagined and you feel frustrated, doubts start creeping in. But it’s during those times that you find out just how resilient an organisation truly is. By putting our heads together, we will only become stronger. It is important that we explain the essence of Art of Engagement clearly during these talks, and apply it within the entire organisation. We will speak to deans and directors during the Tour d’Amour about how they could integrate AoE into their daily work within their service department or faculty."
Not standards, but values
"We need each other to guide this transformation from words to action. Recently a dean admitted that he prefers not to hang the AoE posters on the wall, because the words on it are not his or those of his colleagues. I then explain that they are not standards, but values or principles. You are free to interpret them as you wish. Maybe even hang a marker near the poster and make the changes in your own words. Talk to each other and ask open-ended questions. What drives you? What is going well and what can be improved on? What can I do and how can you help me move forward?"
The four principles of Art of Engagement
AoE is an exercise in professional behaviour and contributes to good cooperation. Supporting tools have been developed to help guide the conversation, and Renée-Andrée and Rolien will be handing these out during the Tour d’Amour. The four principles of AoE for example, which describe how you can contribute to a pleasant and safe working environment. Four images were also developed for this purpose. These serve as mnemonic devices for the four principles of AoE:
- Contribute to the bigger picture
- Be bold and decisive
- Be transparent and clear
- Listen and give room for growth
Renée-Andrée continues: "The image about be bold and decisive can be found at the HR department. Do you know what I love about this image? That someone catches you after you courageously take the leap. Because how often does that happen, and it’s definitely not easy! But isn’t it wonderful that you feel safe enough to do it and that the other person is there for you."
Continue to practice and grow
"Sometimes we revert to old patterns, for example in times of crisis. But practice makes perfect. With this Tour we aim to activate the help of all deans and directors, and we keep each other focused. Because AoE is only successful when all 5,500 VU Amsterdam employees know what it is, actively use it and when AoE becomes as natural to us as breathing. Taking the leap together, learning, developing and using each other’s talents; this is the essence of AoE and I will continue to put every effort into this together with you."
- If you would like to find out more about Art of Engagement, please visit the page Art of Engagement or listen to the podcast on Spotify.