Organisations are constantly evolving. Teams change, workloads increase, and expectations shift. In this context, collaboration becomes both more important and more challenging. At Rijkswaterstaat, this is part of everyday reality.
For Avital Apell, Advisor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, one belief is central:
“Change starts with awareness. Awareness of who you are — and therefore awareness of who others are.”
Together with her team, she works to strengthen inclusion and collaboration throughout the organization. Not as a separate initiative, but as an integral part of how Rijkswaterstaat continues to develop.
From Awareness to Connection
Many things are happening simultaneously within Rijkswaterstaat. Teams are changing, employees work under considerable pressure, and the focus is often on content, deadlines, and results.
According to Avital, this creates an important challenge:
“Due to time pressure and ongoing changes, we sometimes forget to pay attention to the human side: connecting with one another and building strong collaboration.”In an organisation where expertise and results are highly valued, the human dimension can easily move into the background. Yet it is precisely this connection that helps teams remain effective — especially during times of change.
The Challenge: Collaborating Under Pressure
Experience shows that effective collaboration does not happen automatically.
Teams:
- operate under high pressure;
- continuously evolve;
- have little time for reflection;
- and often consist of people working across multiple teams.
“Inclusive collaboration forms the foundation for real progress as a team,” says Avital. “But it requires conscious attention and commitment — especially from leaders.”
Creating Space to Slow Down
For this reason, Rijkswaterstaat chose to invest in training focused on collaborative leadership and inclusive teamwork. Not as a standalone intervention, but as part of a broader organisational development effort.
“The training helps teams slow down for a moment,” Avital explains. “It helps people understand each other’s differences and recognise how those differences can actually strengthen collaboration.”
The Experience with Mazzi-Inc.
Avital and her colleagues describe their collaboration with Mazzi-Inc. as highly positive.
“The training is very well designed and the trainer is highly appreciated. What we consistently see in the evaluations is that people want more.”
Participants indicate that the training:
- creates recognition;
- increases awareness;
- and encourages further learning and reflection.
“The time is actually too short,” she adds. “But fortunately, there are opportunities for further development and deeper learning.”
Stronger Together in Times of Change
This collaboration demonstrates that effective teamwork does not emerge automatically — especially in organisations experiencing continuous change.
It requires awareness, attention, and the willingness to occasionally slow down.
Yet that is exactly where the opportunity lies. When people understand each other better, teams become stronger and more resilient in times of change.
Final Reflection
Avital is clear about the collaboration with Mazzi-Inc.:
“It is a pleasant collaboration with short lines of communication. They listen carefully, think along with us, and provide real support. We are completely satisfied.”
