Akaa is a town of 16 500 inhabitants located between Tampere and Hämeenlinna. Akaa's urban development department wanted to try a new way of developing teams remotely. The aim was to get to know one's own and others' strengths better, to develop team dynamics and to prevent silos. The Team Strengths simulation was a perfect match for the needs.

Teams are easily siloed

Within the municipal organisation, activities are generally divided into technical and administrative aspects, for example land use and economic services. These must be able to work together seamlessly and information must flow smoothly between them.

A common physical location already goes a fair way towards this. In addition, knowing each other better makes work easier and reduces fragmentation. During the pandemic, coffee breaks together in the office have been few and far between, and natural opportunities to get to know each other and develop ways of working are surprisingly rare.

How to engage an employee in the organisation? 

Resources are stretched when there is a severe shortage of skilled workers and it takes time to train new employees. Many of our jobs require a long induction period. That's why it's particularly important to have a holistic understanding of how to engage employees with their employer. This is even more pronounced when you cannot physically face your own work community. This is something that many other organisations are currently considering.

We got straight to the point without unnecessary planning or pre-tasks

SmoothTeam was a great choice for our needs. Teams are used to working remotely, so team development can also take place remotely. The simulation was light and easy to organise, and we didn't have to worry about whether the telecommuting recommendation was valid. 

The simulation had a clear concept and a clear way forward. Often the problem with development is that there is too little time for planning, implementation and follow-up. SmoothTeam went straight to the point, with no time spent on planning or preliminary tasks.

Immediate feedback

The results of the simulation were immediately visible and the service generated a report immediately after the simulation was completed. The immediacy of the feedback is a clear advantage and helps people to focus on the moment and be present. As a process, SmoothTeam was quite straightforward and a lot was achieved in just over two hours.

The gameplay in the simulation was engaging. We also liked the fact that the tasks were not work-related and the storyline created a fun atmosphere. In addition, the simulation was very easy to use and it was easy for everyone to participate. 

Simulation confirmed the right direction of change

The simulations confirmed the notion that teams are easily formed through physical spaces and activities. Physical location and work community play a big role, even if times are exceptional - how do I as an individual function in a team, am I comfortable with the whole and feel part of the team? And secondly, do the leadership, working practices and methods support a person to feel that their work is meaningful, that they get their work done and that they feel part of the work community? 

The simulation helped me to understand that the changes we have made have taken us in the right direction, as I could see how different personalities interact and are part of the work community. As a frontline manager, I want to support employees to grow into their potential, discover their own expertise and use it boldly. 

A well-functioning work community has the courage to act

In a well-functioning workplace, everyone knows their role, identifies what they are good at and knows their place. It is important, especially in a municipal organisation, that experts know their own playing field - what they can decide and what they can do - and are bold in using their expertise. It is also important to trust that everyone will do things as well as they can. 

SmoothTeam can be recommended to all work communities

I can recommend SmoothTeam to anyone who has some kind of workplace around them. It makes a good programme for a development day. And even if you've done all sorts of things, simulation is a fresh new way. SmoothTeam would certainly work for larger associations where there is some organisation behind it and the work is not just a fiddle. 

All in all, SmoothTeam was a very positive experience - not a bummer, but a fun and useful way to work together!

Lasse Silván
Director of Urban Development, Aka