What is TeamUp?
With TeamUp, we take a close look at mutual cooperation and communication in order to:
- Connect with your team
- Work together more effectively, efficiently and enjoyably
- Come to practical agreements about how you want to work together
We will do so using the four principles of the Art of Engagement developed by VU Amsterdam. These principles describe how everyone can contribute to a pleasant, safe working environment:
- Contribute to the bigger picture
- Be bold and decisive
- Be transparent and clear
- Listen and give room for growth
For whom?
Whether you want to improve collaboration with colleagues, customers, students and/or other stakeholders, TeamUp is suitable for all teams with a shared team goal. TeamUp is most effective for teams with four to twelve team members. If your team is larger, we will determine the most effective approach together.
Workshop and flexible programme
If you would like to get started with TeamUp, you can choose from two options:
- TeamUp workshop: the workshop consists of three interactive sessions of three hours each, spread over approximately six weeks, allowing plenty of room for in-depth discussion and reflection.
- TeamUp flex: would you like to integrate elements of TeamUp into a team day or are you looking for more flexibility in planning workshops? We would be happy to assist you! Please indicate on the registration form that you are interested in a flexible programme and we will contact you to explore the possibilities.
Standard workshop structure
The standard workshop consists of three three-hour interactive sessions over a period of about six weeks. In these sessions, we will identify your team’s goals together and define everyone’s role. In addition, we will strengthen the internal connections and identify specific themes for the team to work on. Experienced CTL instructors and coaches will supervise the team in conducting talks, and in working on improving effectiveness and communication.
- Session 1 – my role in the team
During this session, you will become aware of your own role in the team, the roles of others and the team context. Self-knowledge and an eye for diversity are prerequisites for effective discussions and collaboration. We will also focus on safety as the basis for effective collaboration.
In addition to addressing your own role, the session will draw attention to what connects you with your team members and how you are meaningful to the goals and priorities of your unit (the ‘Contribute to the bigger picture’ Art of Engagement principle). A common view of the bigger picture and a shared vision are essential to guide and focus teams.
- Session 2 – the good talk
Constructive communication with others is the main focus of session 2. You will practise starting a dialogue with others using an open attitude and the right language, listening to others and making room for other perspectives. In a practical simulation setting, you will be able to practise the roles that you can take on in a conversation. We will also focus on the importance of feedback, and we will create a list of effective conversation techniques. Furthermore, in a peer-to-peer exercise, we will explore how you can deal with moments of tension, discomfort and conflict in an educational, open manner.
The ‘Listen and allow room for growth’ and ‘Be clear and transparent’ Art of Engagement principles will be covered in exercises and reflection in this session.
- Session 3 – getting started
In session 3, we will move from reflection and practice to action (agency). You will look back on how the collaboration and learning with others has benefited you and the team. We will examine how different perspectives help to find new solutions, and you will define specific actions with which you can create and maintain an appreciative and healthy team and working climate in your own situation.
The ‘Be bold and decisive’ Art of Engagement principle will play a prominent role here. You will use the theme-based interaction model (TGI in Dutch) to highlight the factors that play a role in your team when you have to make choices and decisions.
Structure of TeamUp flex
TeamUp flex also uses the building blocks, themes and exercises from the standard workshops. During an intake interview, we discuss the wishes and needs of the team in question and use this information to create a suitable programme lasting one or more half-days.
Dates, intake, costs and registration
Dates and times will be agreed upon in consultation. Prior to planning a workshop, we always hold a brief intake interview to discuss the specific team situation. On the registration form you can indicate whether you are interested in TeamUp Flex.
Please note: participate before 1 January 2026 and receive a 50% discount on the participation fee.
Costs
The TeamUp workshop is organised by HR & HSE with in-house, qualified instructors who know VU Amsterdam well. The three-session workshop and intake costs between €2400 (4-9 participants) and €4200 (9-12 participants)*. The costs for TeamUp flex are determined by a fixed price per half-day, namely € 800 (4-9 participants) and EUR € 1400 (10-12 participants) per half-day*.
* Prices exclude the 50% discount you receive when you participate before 1 January 2026.
Registration
If you are a manager, we encourage you to register your team. If you’re not sure whether this workshop is right for your team, your team has more than 12 members, or if a series of three sessions is impossible to schedule and you are interested in a customised workshop, contact us at teamup@vu.nl to discuss how we can help you achieve your team’s goals.
If you’re an employee and think the workshop would benefit your team, discuss this with your manager and/or team and sign up your team.
Register via the registration form.
Participants on TeamUp
‘Attentive, committed and enthusiastic trainers!’
‘I found it very useful, insightful and practical. More teams should do this. It's also just fun!’
‘It proved to be so valuable to invest in strong teamwork before the start of the school year. And the great thing is: it doesn't have to take much time at all.’
