The Finnish Landlords is the representative organisation of private landlords and housing investors. We are a close-knit community of 13 experts, with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Our organisation includes lawyers as well as experts in member services, communications, advocacy and finance.

The challenge of rapid growth

In recent years, we have been challenged by the growth in membership: growth is rapid, and resources easily lag behind. In this context, it is important to address issues related to well-being at work and also fatigue. There are certainly plenty of ideas and enthusiasm to get things done. Another challenge has been how to get to know each other as new people come and, of course, some leave.

We ended up with SmothTeam because I was already familiar with it in another organisation. Our main interest was to get people to know each other better and to get the different teams to work together even better. On the one hand, we have very extroverted people who are better known in the work community. On the other hand, there are also the shy and quiet ones, who are not necessarily so well known by others. We set out to bring out everyone's strengths.

The simulation also encouraged shy people to speak up

I'm really glad that the simulation got the different participants to talk openly and fairly. The simulation guided everyone to participate, it's a good way to force equal participation. In many other methods, success depends a lot on what each person brings up or stays in the background. SmoothTeam encouraged everyone to share their ideas openly.

The simulation allowed us to be really open about the preferences and strengths of the participants, as well as things that no one feels like they have. We realised that we shouldn't think of people in too narrow roles like lawyers or economists, but find individual roles. These are more inspiring and meaningful to people than ready-made boxes.

Concrete ideas for next year's activities

The simulation worked really well. The workshop was so intense that it forced everyone to be present and concentrate on the exercise. Apart from learning about each other, we also got some very practical things to plan next year's activities.

Teams need different personalities

I think you need different personalities in teams. The differences complement each other, as long as you can recognise and make use of them. It is also worth breaking traditional roles from time to time, which can break down the boundaries of what teams do.

Openness and an atmosphere of trust are the best gifts

I can recommend SmoothTeam especially to teams with new people. It's a great way to get to know each other and also to get to know people who know each other even better.

The best part was the feeling of openness and trust in which people shared their ideas. I was impressed that we were able to say things that are not normally said out loud.

Sanna Hughes
Managing Director
Finnish Landlords