In one of the largest municipalities of the Netherlands, programme and project managers are handling ever larger assignments: complex projects with a range of differing interests, large budgets and tough responsibilities. That calls for specific skills and a tight rein. To help them develop their talents, they are asked to look into a mirror…
That mirror is the Spiegelapp (mirroring app): a feedback tool that allows employees to ask for information and comments on their performance and specific competences. The app goes beyond traditional coaching. Of course, we still train managers, professionals and employees. And yes of course, we develop their talents and determine their development potential. But when a pool of high potentials wanted greater self-direction and interim assessments of their development, we took on the challenge to develop a tool that would have not only the required features but that would also be inspiring, accessible and plain fun!
Personalized tool
And so a team of people from a variety of disciplines set to work to build the tool our client needed: an innovative, fun and practical tool with handy features that would really help programme and project managers get set up. The Spiegelapp was born: an online feedback system that – following an extensive testing phase – was introduced to the municipality. Technology, design, safety, protection of personal data, certified hosting – every aspect was carefully considered.
Competence development starts with you, the Spiegelapp is there to help
The Spiegelapp encompasses the organizational competences and those competences inherent to the various job profiles. As an employee, you can ask for targeted feedback on competences specific to your job profile.
Within that same secure environment, you can:
- chat with colleagues to share your knowledge and experiences,
- include a personalized video message with the invitation for feedback,
- download reports about any required period, without limit,
- use feedforward and receive development tips.
The innovative Spiegelapp offers a range of possibilities and acts as a mirror to help you keep control over your professional development. You can read the feedback on your mobile phone or in clear feedback reports and then discuss it with your manager. Do you want to film your presentation and ask for live feedback? No problem, Spiegelapp makes it possible. Another neat feature in the secured environment is that you can create a group app for a project team or as part of training and managing a specific job group or team.
At the start of this year, the tool went live for a large team of programme and project managers of one of the largest municipalities of the Netherlands.
In-depth development interview
Soon after the kick-off meeting, we received the first positive reports from the manager; the programme and project managers coming to their development interview were well-prepared and had clear insights thanks to the feedback. The manager told us that the interview had become an in-depth dialogue and there was room for coaching. The conversation quickly focused on the real issues and that generated new energy.
‘The added value of the Spiegelapp is great. The development interviews require less of the manager’s time, provide higher quality and puts the accountability where it is supposed to be’
Inspiration and motivation are reflected in energetic and productive staff
The Spiegelapp’s feedback system makes staff more productive and motivated. Take the maintenance mechanic who works on-site during the day. He no longer has to sit at his computer in the evenings but can now ask for feedback on his performance via his mobile phone at any time of the day. He gets immediate feedback and can download a report instantly. The feedback gives him insight into his specific behaviour and how others see him. Specific behaviour examples help him recognize his talent and show him where he can develop further.
‘The Spiegelapp prompts employees to become aware of their development and offers managers leads for coaching-based development interviews’
The Spiegelapp provides higher quality interviews and saves on costs
Thanks to the Spiegelapp, the development interview between staff member and manager gains in substance and focuses on the skills required in a specific job. The feedback report acts as a starting point for the interview and the interview consequently requires less preparation time from the manager. As the staff member is the owner of his development, it is easier for the manager to conduct the interview. During the interview, the 360 degree feedback provided by the employee’s working relationships can be discussed leaving the manager free to focus on a coaching style of management.
‘The Spiegelapp offers greater quality of interviews and saves time for managers. The useful feedback report saves costs’
H+C support for excellent organizations
Our clients are always looking for the best solutions. We contribute by offering a comprehensive approach combined with effective tools such as the Spiegelapp. For over 25 years, clients have expected us to develop excellent organizations and we aim to live up to those expectations. That is why we also take a regular look in the mirror ….
Krista Beilschmidt,
H+C managing partner