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Reinforcement of homes in Groningen: a task with special dynamics

'A collaboration between public and private parties has its own dynamics. This means looking carefully at what binds those parties together and carefully discussing each other's interests. A recognizable challenge for Boer & Croon: How do you make sure you get the right people at the table, that they keep talking to each other and try to understand each other?'

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NAM

For decades, NAM has carried out gas extraction operations in Groningen. As a result, there has been (imminent) damage to the homes of many Groningers. The necessary reinforcement operation got underway several years ago. William Ponsteen was able to contribute to this on behalf of Boer & Croon for two and a half years.


Different clients

'It was actually three different assignments with three clients, following each other. The first was at Centrum Veilig Wonen. From a procurement perspective, I had to form a market approach strategy. In fact, the reinforcement task was so large that it was necessary to involve the entire market. Both large and small contractors, and contractors with a particular specialization, such as farms. We also had to devise a system in which every market party could get a share and within which clear quality agreements could be made and monitored. There were 26,000 homes in the earthquake area. The expectation was that a very large proportion of these had to be reinforced.'

'This assignment lasted nine months. I was still a Young Executive at the time and worked together with two managers from Boer & Croon. All three of us lived in the Randstad. During the week we were together in Groningen. That was a special time.'


Implementing plans in the public sector

'At the end of this assignment, it became clear that the government would take over the NAM's reinforcement operation. After this, I was given the assignment at National Coordinator Groningen to see how we could implement the plans within the public sector. During this assignment I was busy getting this workable and setting up the process. With that typical Boer & Croon approach: focusing on results, ensuring that speed remained in the process and approaching all market parties with concrete questions. Ultimately, we found a creative solution that satisfied all stakeholders.´

'I learned a lot here about stakeholder management in a complex environment, where both political and public pressure were complicating factors. Everyone had a common goal, which was to keep speed in the process. Because of the multitude of stakeholders, it is important to be well aware of all interests, which can sometimes conflict, and to look for ways to bring these interests together. There is another element: in such a transition, you want to steer with 100% information. But if that is not there yet, you have to make do with 80%. That is not a bad thing, but you have to make it known and name the risks. And, given the time pressure, together make the choice to go for it.


Stakeholder management

'I learned a lot here about stakeholder management in a complex environment, where both political and public pressure were complicating factors. Everyone had a common goal, which was to keep speed in the process. Because of the multitude of stakeholders, it is important to be well aware of all interests, which can sometimes conflict, and to look for ways to bring these interests together. There is another element: in such a transition, you want to steer with 100% information. But if that is not there yet, you have to make do with 80%. That is not a bad thing, but you have to make it known and name the risks. And, given the time pressure, together make the choice to go for it.'


Programmanagement

'In the end, I was able to implement everything we came up with within my third assignment at Business Office BI. My focus was on program management: we had about 600 individual projects running as part of the reinforcement operation and as a member of the MT I was responsible for continuously monitoring the process and making any adjustments to keep the momentum going.'

'Looking back on the assignments, I am happy to have been able to contribute to the reinforcement operation'