Akzo Nobel "Ignite the Spirit" Programmes for Argentina and Uruguay
Following Akzo Nobel's plan to implement ITS: Ignite the
Spirit Programme, a tailor-made version of OLA's
Self-Managing Leadership Programme, around the world, we had the
opportunity to deliver it at the Middle Manager level for Akzo
subsidiaries in Argentina and Uruguay.
The programme took place over a couple of weeks in November, in
a cosy, countryside hotel, near the city of Colonia, Uruguay.
Colonia is a small city by the River Plate which has been
designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the Río de la Plata, the
city was of strategic importance in resisting the Spanish. After
being disputed for a century, it was finally lost by its founders.
The well-preserved urban landscape illustrates the successful
fusion of the Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles.
The Argentinian Team took the Programme from November 18th to
20th, and the Uruguayan Team, with guests from Argentina and
Brazil, took part from November 23th to 25th.
The participants were quite excited, as Tex Gunning visited the
plants in Argentina and Uruguay the week before the first training
took place.
The plenaries were led by OLA Fellows Daniel Touris and Fernando
Polignano, with the support of a team of local OLA co-facilitators.
Rodolfo Sero, CEO for Argentina and Uruguay, Hernan Leprich, HHRR
Manager also for both operations and Silvana Gibrail from HHRR Akzo
Brazil also acted as co-facilitators.
Rui Franciso attended both events to provide support for
trainers and facilitators as well as taking care of fine tuning
logistics. There were around 30 participants in each event, and the
feedback was very positive. Most of the participants said they had
been deeply moved by the experience and they very much appreciated
the chance to focus on their own development.
Some comments from the Uruguayan Team:
It helped me to go on discovering myself and
defining my purpose. Sharing experiences and being closer to my
workmates. A wonderful team activity, full of energy and
challenges. The learning process was challenging but reachable.
Very good communication with everybody; OLA, facilitator and
groups.
Adrina Galarraga
It transformed me !!!. I have the will, focus and
capability; I will go after my vision!
Rodrigo Gutierrez
Very good approach to leadership: from an inner
victory to a projection towards 'outside ourselves'. It is
reflection and projection towards others.
Washington Sosa
It provided a deep self analysis and helped me to
define what I want from my life. That is fantastic !!!
Ignacio Grundel
I felt special, well treated and enriched by the
journey through my life. It showed me the way to look forward in a
different way.
Claudio Cavalho
A very gratifying and different experience. It
helps you put your life in order by providing tools and knowledge
to improve it in all its roles.
Jorge Valles
I ordered my goals and I emphasized my priorities.
The most important was to understand that I have to place myself
first because if I am not centered I cannot help others
Paticia Izmirlian
Something I had never lived until now. Something
new, different, touching.
Antonio Gross
A very good opportunity to "open" myself to
persons I didn't know. Share, learn, think.
Giancarlo Sorrentino
