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NAPA strengthened the self-managed organisation through coaching

In brief

Customer
NAPA

Challenge To find new ways of working to strengthen a culture where all Naparians can support each other through coaching.  

Results A strengthened coaching mindset has further supported NAPA's culture, where everybody has the opportunity to take the lead in the area in which they operate and find ways to break down barriers.

Benefits Coaching provides tools for development and daily work in NAPA's self-managed organisation.

The world's leading software company for the marine industry, NAPA, utilises agile methodologies and continuously develops its way of working. Nitor’s coaching courses have been an important support for an organisation grounded in self-management.

NAPA is an experienced user of agile methods for more than ten years. The organisation has developed its way of working step by step. In 2017, NAPA renewed its organisational model, grounding its operations firmly on self-management. Coaching has been an essential support for the realisation of self-management in practice.

The balance of theory and practical exercises ensures that the learnings get transferred to everyday life

The collaboration between NAPA and Nitor included coaching courses tailored to NAPA's needs. The courses were conducted both in a classroom and a remote setting. The group size of the courses was kept to 15 participants to optimise the interaction during the courses.

One of the most important features in the courses was the balance of theory and practice. After each theoretical part, the subject at hand was internalized through practical exercises so that the lessons learned could be implemented right after the course.

Another essential factor in the courses was creating a secure and confidential atmosphere. Building trust between participants enabled changing the mindset towards a coaching approach. New techniques could be practiced in a safe environment. Through exercises and joint discussions, participants created a solid connection, which removed the pressure often present when starting something new and trying things out for the first time. There was no need to fear failure or be wrong, making it possible to share ideas freely.

Photos: NAPA

Just the right balance of theory and practical exercises.

- Jan Mattsson, Director of Software Development, NAPA

A strengthened coaching culture multiplies new ideas

The purpose of the collaboration was to strengthen a culture where coaching is a way of working and supporting colleagues in the organisation. NAPA renewed its organisational structure already in 2017 when they implemented a completely flat organisational model, and the old hierarchy was no longer present. The courses allowed as many people as possible to use coaching as a tool in their everyday work.

Strengthening the coaching culture has, among other things, changed the mindset that answers to challenges should be found right away. This, in turn, has opened a space for investigating different options before agreeing on a specific solution. At the same time, coaching discussions have helped individuals find their way to break down obstacles or find a way around them. Having coaching discussions and listening to colleagues have led to significantly more ideas in joint decision-making. As a result, it has become more likely to find the best possible solution for a given challenge.

Being a self-managed organisation gives every employee both the right and the obligation to correct defects and the opportunity to take the lead in the matter at hand. However, things do not have to be resolved alone. A coaching culture enables support from a colleague, and solutions can be found with a group of people gathered around solving the matter. 

Strengthening the coaching culture has been essential in engaging people to work on things together. Being engaged in the common good has fueled enthusiasm for working, leading to people being fully in their daily work. Through all of this, everyone at NAPA is part of creating a workplace where they enjoy being. Read more about how coaching can function to develop the company culture and work community overall from NAPA’s blog.

Interested in coaching? Read more about Nitor’s Agile Coaching and upcoming coaching courses here.

Rami Sirkiä

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