A few weeks ago, the OPF team and Board traveled to The Hague, Netherlands, for a long-overdue in-person catch-up, complete with training and a bit of sightseeing!
We were warmly hosted by the KB National Library of the Netherlands and the Nationaal Archief, who also treated the team to two days of engaging and insightful Agile Thinking training. While some team members had previously participated in this type of agile thinking method, it was a new concept for most of us. We learnt that this type of training encourages a flexible, growth-oriented approach to work, emphasizing continuous learning and improvement. The trainers taught us new concepts like sprints, backlogs, and retrospectives to improve efficiency, that would enable our team to quickly adapt to changing requirements and challenges. The training also involved some very interactive and fun activities that would allow us to apply Agile principles in real-world scenarios. To demonstrate this, we divided into three teams and took on the challenge of building the tallest tower possible using only paper. The results were creative, innovative, and, in some cases, a little outside the box!
We also took part in SCRUM training, an Agile framework designed to enhance team efficiency by breaking projects into smaller, manageable tasks. To put this into practice, our ‘Product Owner’ assigned us a series of tasks, which we prioritized and divided into individual sprints. Working together, we then tackled each sprint to produce a functional outcome. We tackled everything from building towns and skyscrapers to fending off zombies—and even managed to lock up Ronald McDonald! Never a dull moment!
Our Agile Thinking training was followed by team and board meetings, offering a valuable catch-up that was great for the team. It also provided the perfect opportunity for some face-to-face time to discuss some day-to-day work topics!
Our evenings included a walking dinner tour of The Hague on the first night with a three-course meal, having an hour walking tour between courses, followed by a team and board dinner the next evening. None of us had ever taken part in a walking dinner tour before, and it was an unforgettable experience. We enjoyed some amazing dishes, each served at a different restaurant, while taking in some of The Hague’s most beautiful sights. A fantastic way to explore the city! We also had a rather poignant moment at the Jewish Children’s Memorial on what turned out to be Holocaust Memorial Day.
In conclusion, our trip to The Hague was not only a valuable opportunity for team growth but also for team bonding. From engaging in Agile Thinking and SCRUM training to exploring the city through a walking dinner tour, we returned with new skills, lasting memories, and stronger connections. We’re excited to apply what we’ve learned and continue improving our collaboration and efficiency as we move forward. Here’s to many more enriching in-person meetings like this one!
