In my previous blog I introduced my enrollment in the Learning Journey towards Kathmandu, Nepal. During 10 days, I was part of a team of 10 colleagues from Accenture Netherlands working on a development project for SABAH. Being accompanied by a leadership coach, we also worked on personal development. Our time in Nepal is over and I can truly say: it was a great experience and a big success! In a classic deadline-pressured sprint, we finished our work on Tuesday after midnight. The output consisted of general recommendations, pragmatic deliverables and personal coaching. We worked for example on a communication schedule, produced a sales toolkit, improved the membership administration and provided templates for production planning and product portfolio analysis. The agenda for Wednesday: opening, simulation, presentation, lunch, break-outs and evaluation. The complete management team of SABAH, whom we had worked with during the week, was present, including the CEO and founding president. We started off with a fun and interactive simulation of the company processes with the management team standing in a circle. Being a company producing clothes and apparels we used a thread of wool to symbolize the lines of communication and dependencies between the managers and CEO. After the unavoidable presentation and a good Nepali lunch we handed over our work and last recommendations in one-on-one sessions. We received positive feedback and exchanged contact details for future contact. During the plenary evaluation, we thanked SABAH for giving us the opportunity to work for them and for being so open and welcoming. From their side, SABAH expressed their gratitude for all our honest feedback and practical outcomes.

And what about learning and leadership? During the closing of the day, our team coach gave us valuable feedback and asked reflective questions. The conclusion: The whole day was a solid team effort, everybody contributed and was fully engaged. We were all satisfied with this result and felt we successfully managed to make a difference. And, saving the best for last, we took turns in enjoying a shower of compliments given by our colleagues. Having stepped up as one of the facilitative leaders during the project, I was particularly happy with being recognized as a natural, charming and authentic leader. The day ended with another good dinner under a clear Nepalese starry sky.

The next day, my wife and I started a 10-day trip in the great Himalayas. Nepal is an amazing country and we were extremely fortunate with the opportunity to combine my work with this short holiday. After returning to Amsterdam and normal work life, I continue to look back another great Accenture experience. The journey continues.