What have been the most instructive experiences in your work history? 

The most instructive experiences in my professional history have been situations where I have been partly responsible for the functioning of the work community and the development of employees' skills. I have coached hundreds of people in sales and customer service in Finland, Denmark and Sweden. 

In these roles, the importance of teamwork and competent and attentive leadership were strongly emphasised. 

One memorable moment was when we sat down with our team at the time to have an honest conversation about how we each felt. There had been a certain swirl of negativity in the workplace, and no one wanted to find a reason for it. We sat down and discussed things by their true names, but in hindsight it would have been good to have had an outside person to facilitate a more positive and solution-focused discussion. Even though we got some clarity on the issues, the situation left us feeling very confused and disoriented.

The most successful workplace , also in terms of results, is one where the strengths and motivations of individuals are clear and interaction is genuinely open. These are the very things we focus on in SmoothTeam. 

What are the biggest challenges facing workplaces today?

I see the biggest challenge for work communities today as constant change, turnover and often unreasonable expectations from management.  

The workload and pressure is increasing, but at the same time workers are being laid off and, in the worst case, made redundant. Those who stay on will have multiple jobs on their desks, and it is expected that there will also be flexibility outside working hours. 

Many sectors are struggling with a lack of skilled staff, but at the same time fail to recognise the skills or development potential of those already working in the company. There is a lack of team spirit and management does not have the tools or time to improve. Management by numbers and people-oriented management are forgotten. 

Is there anything we can do? 

I think the most important thing is to see the potential that exists in your own workplace. You can do this by listening, but it's not always easy. And when you see the potential, it is easier to support and appreciate and this good phenomenon is reflected forward. There used to be a lot of talk about the 'working family', and unfortunately I understand why that has been abandoned. But there was also a lot of good in that vision. As a result, there is a lack of community in many organisations and this is something that desperately needs to change. But for many, the workplace is one of the most important things. For some, workplace can also be the only support and security in their lives. 

Why did you choose SmoothTeam?

Before deciding to move to SmoothTeam, my husband and I considered the options on the table very carefully. My husband would have even leaned towards a different option than me. 

Ever since I was little, I've felt a great need to help people and wanted to lift others up, to bring out their strengths. I live strongly by my own values and wanted to work in a company where our values meet. I feel these important factors are realised with SmoothTeam. We have a team that really cares about people and work communities.

This is the message I want to take forward, that first of all people are the most important asset. This is where SmoothTeam simulations are an insightful tool that opens up important conversations and makes it easier to raise issues. I know that together we will change the world of work in a more positive and people-oriented direction amidst all this technological development. 

What do your colleagues say about Linda?

Linda has brought a tremendous amount of joy, energy and sales expertise to our team - just the kind of drive we've been looking for! She has taken an open-minded and proactive approach to the work and has helped us to see areas for development with fresh eyes. 

It has been a pleasure to have Linda join our team, and help build a more humane working life!

Our simulations get rave reviews from customers, but that alone is not enough. As a young company, we have lacked the skills to engage in conversations with the right people. Linda brings just that: skills and experience in sales to help as many workplace as possible benefit from better trust and team chemistry. I also see a clear positive energy that Linda has brought to us.

I often repeat to clients how diversity is an asset to the team - even if it is challenging and sometimes even annoying! When we recognise others' differences, it's easier to use them as a strength. Having Linda on the team has made this visible for us too. Linda is a warm, positive and outgoing person who brings a new energy and expertise to our team that we didn't have before! I see Linda as being able to offer our clients new perspectives on the day-to-day challenges faced by our teams. She is wholeheartedly involved in making working life more human!