At 6 o’clock in the morning from the hotel to the airport In Kyiv, Ukraine – blue sky, nice temperature and almost no cars on the highway – quite the opposite of what you experience at 1800 in the afternoon when you meet long and almost no moving queues……so it is not just that you get the most out of the day by rising early, it is less stressful and more convenient as well
UEFA Euro 2012 is the reason for my stay in Kyiv also this time – and the meeting with the team that is responsible for the Final Draw for the tournament is just so great. It Is a true gift to have such an opportunity to meet persons with such knowledge and experience and not the least –a willingness to share and contribute to the success of the project.
This is my second visit to Kyiv and if you never visited the city you have something to look forward to – it is a city with has so much to offer and for me coming from Norway I find examples of architecture that are worth the visit and it is a great mixture of old and new.
But as always, it is the people you meet that makes a stay memorable – helpful, positive and nice! Although not all speak English, the body language is a great communication tool and with a positive attitude most can be understood.
6/3/11
It's a long way
from the middle of Norway to Singapore, not only physically but also mentally. Leaving Lillehammer area with 5 degrees C and fog last Sunday and arriving Singapore Tuesday morning with 32 degrees C........it's like coming to a different world....in many ways.
When entering the plane in Oslo I realised that I was to enter a culture where I would experience a high service level and where everyone meets you with a smile - and what a nice experience!
The number of inhapitants in Singapore and in Norway is almost the same - it's just the space that is a difference and then it should not be a surprise that our leisure activities are a litte different too. A banner at the front of a shopping mall says "I shop, there fore I am!".
Cultural differences give us a possibility to learn from each other and I appareciate this opportunity to hopefully learn a little from the culture here......and enjoy the possibilitt to walk outside with no jacket or scarf:)
When entering the plane in Oslo I realised that I was to enter a culture where I would experience a high service level and where everyone meets you with a smile - and what a nice experience!
The number of inhapitants in Singapore and in Norway is almost the same - it's just the space that is a difference and then it should not be a surprise that our leisure activities are a litte different too. A banner at the front of a shopping mall says "I shop, there fore I am!".
Cultural differences give us a possibility to learn from each other and I appareciate this opportunity to hopefully learn a little from the culture here......and enjoy the possibilitt to walk outside with no jacket or scarf:)
3/8/11
Glorious days
and a fantastic last competition on Sunday ended the World Championship Nordic 2011 in Oslo.
With fog, snow and transport challenges the first days everything improved during the week, even the weather!
What did I experience as a volunteer working in the Hospitality tents ?
o A fantastic opportunity to get to know and work with people with different backgrounds and
with one mutual objective – to do the best during these days to give the visitors the best
experience.
o After the first day we were a team with a very positive team spirit - Everyone contributes
where it is necessary to get the work done – flexibility, service and responsibility are the key
words.
o Long hours based on the transport challenges both to get to and back from the venue.
o A meeting point - refreshing friendship and catching up with former colleagues
o A team leader that knew the saying “The worst thing you can give a volunteer is too little to
do” and showed flexibility and good leadership.
o Guests who all were there just to enjoy, meet new people, catch up with old friends and
contribute to the folk festival
o A fantastic feeling when hearing and looking at the spectators – they made the event to a true
folk festival!
o Pride when listening to all those who have so much positive feedback to all the volunteers that
guided them to and back from the venues and within the venues.
It is just to sign up as volunteer for Val di Fiemme 2013 J and ensure to be part of a fantastic experience and make friends for life!
o
With fog, snow and transport challenges the first days everything improved during the week, even the weather!
What did I experience as a volunteer working in the Hospitality tents ?
o A fantastic opportunity to get to know and work with people with different backgrounds and
with one mutual objective – to do the best during these days to give the visitors the best
experience.
o After the first day we were a team with a very positive team spirit - Everyone contributes
where it is necessary to get the work done – flexibility, service and responsibility are the key
words.
o Long hours based on the transport challenges both to get to and back from the venue.
o A meeting point - refreshing friendship and catching up with former colleagues
o A team leader that knew the saying “The worst thing you can give a volunteer is too little to
do” and showed flexibility and good leadership.
o Guests who all were there just to enjoy, meet new people, catch up with old friends and
contribute to the folk festival
o A fantastic feeling when hearing and looking at the spectators – they made the event to a true
folk festival!
o Pride when listening to all those who have so much positive feedback to all the volunteers that
guided them to and back from the venues and within the venues.
It is just to sign up as volunteer for Val di Fiemme 2013 J and ensure to be part of a fantastic experience and make friends for life!
o
2/28/11
Fan experience in Holmenkollen
At 10.10 h we left home fheading or the metro station to take the Metro to Holmenkollen for the 30 km men pursuit, starting at 12.00 h. As we heard from friends, read in the newspaper and heard in the news that there were serious transport problems the day before, we decided to leave early enough.
We had approx. 15 min. waiting time until we were able to get on the metro and 20 min. later we were with hundreds and hundreds of other spectators on the way to the cross country venue....long queues moving slowly, but moving! Everybody enjoyed the sunny day, was in a good and relaxed mood. Friendly spectator service volunteers indicated the way and after some under passing and over passing of bridges, some narrow and muddy walkways we made it to our spectator area zone U.
The atmosphere in the stadium was amazing and the pursuit was like an exciting crime story, for more than 1 hour it was absolutely not clear who would make it first through the finish line, although more than 40.000 spectators hoped for the Norwegian super star: Petter Northug. As the speaker mentioned 4,5 km before the finish: if Northug doesn`t want to be responsible that the whole Norway gets a heart attack, he better does something NOW!...Yes, and he did!
Although some started moving to get downdtown, the speaker announced that never had it been so many during the flower ceremony – and we moved to better positions and celebrated the champions! Then it was to just follow the movement of the crowds, composed by families, young couples and cross country fan club members.
Moving back to the metro was much easier and took less time. After 4 hours in the cold we made a stop to explore the inside of the different tents – the catering tent to have some hot drinks and the merchandising tent to check if our credit cards were still valid!
Back in the centre of Oslo we went to Casa Italia where Val di Fiemme presents the next world championship Nordic 2013 – and when the Italians present their country there is a good excuse to test their food and beverage! With this recharge of energy we were ready for the Medals Ceremony at 19:00 h. During our break we met also a former colleague from Lillehammer and Torino. Nice and refreshing catch up after quite a while!
Hearing a crowed of approx. 35.000 people shouting: Petter Petter Petter Petter...is impressing, and when the national hymn is played and everyone sings – it is emotional and we can tell you: shivers run up your neck!
Back home and time for a short reflection from Ingrid’s part
“This was one of my best “fan experiences” ever! Why?
- Being guest at one of the most passionate nations in Nordic sport disciplines feels like a honour;
- Experience a smooth running winter sport outdoor event, with minor needs of adjustments (transport, signage, catering area and access/exit of spectators incl. flows), is impressive;
- Seeing many friendly smiles and sparkling eyes in the volunteers faces, makes you feel home and welcome;
Thank you Holmenkollen, thank you Oslo 2011!
And from my part – pride and joy are the best words to describe the experience. I look forward to the rest and to experience the event from the "inside" as a volunteer!
2/6/11
One main goal.....
After some days in Warsaw I’m heading back to Oslo today – and you certainly know the answer for why I’ve been here when I give you these numbers:
487 days to go
8 cities
2 countries
1 tournament
You are right – I’ve been here for a workshop with the executive management team of the UEFA Euro 2012 and have had the opportunity to observe a workshop with all project managers with knowledge information and sharing as the main objectives.
And I’m again reflecting on how lucky we are to have this possibility to meet and work with teams that have this enthusiasm, energy and willingness to share – with one mutual goal. UEFA Euro 2012 is a “melting pot” of people with different cultures, experiences and knowledge, but they have one mutual goal:
To create history together!
This brings me back to the Lillehammer Olympics and the questions we got on which success criteria was the most important when planning the Games. Maybe it is difficult to pick just one as everything is interrelated; Clear roles, responsibilities, information and communication lines and decision making procedures have all to be in place, but the one main success criteria that I think was key - Across positions, functions and levels in the organization we all had the same main goal – to deliver the best games ever. Still something to work on for many companies?
487 days to go
8 cities
2 countries
1 tournament
You are right – I’ve been here for a workshop with the executive management team of the UEFA Euro 2012 and have had the opportunity to observe a workshop with all project managers with knowledge information and sharing as the main objectives.
And I’m again reflecting on how lucky we are to have this possibility to meet and work with teams that have this enthusiasm, energy and willingness to share – with one mutual goal. UEFA Euro 2012 is a “melting pot” of people with different cultures, experiences and knowledge, but they have one mutual goal:
To create history together!
This brings me back to the Lillehammer Olympics and the questions we got on which success criteria was the most important when planning the Games. Maybe it is difficult to pick just one as everything is interrelated; Clear roles, responsibilities, information and communication lines and decision making procedures have all to be in place, but the one main success criteria that I think was key - Across positions, functions and levels in the organization we all had the same main goal – to deliver the best games ever. Still something to work on for many companies?
1/21/11
Reflections on my way home....
I am on my way home after 6 days working with the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
So what do I take with me home?
I've fallen in love with Russians!
They are curious, analytical, critical, shy....and when "the ice is broken", they are open, fun and sharing.
Sochi 2014 has professional people on board!
As the organizing committee in Lillehammer, the Sochi organizing committee has few people with international event experience. That does not make them less competent to host the Games. Why? Because they have the best recruitment process leading to a workforce chosen among the best - with the right attitude.
It is the people that makes the Games!
So what do I take with me home?
I've fallen in love with Russians!
They are curious, analytical, critical, shy....and when "the ice is broken", they are open, fun and sharing.
Sochi 2014 has professional people on board!
As the organizing committee in Lillehammer, the Sochi organizing committee has few people with international event experience. That does not make them less competent to host the Games. Why? Because they have the best recruitment process leading to a workforce chosen among the best - with the right attitude.
It is the people that makes the Games!
1/20/11
Practice makes perfect!
Olympic Games is a about planning. Actuallly 7 years of planning. At least. It takes thousands of days to plan this mega event.
But Olympic Games is also about training. It is about testing your plans and procedures and training your workforce in order to achieve perfect performing.
As a manager and leader you need to know which decisions to make, what to communicate, who to report incidents to, how to motivate. Because what do you do.....
....when there is a traffic jam and your venue is only half full just prior to start?
....when there is a problem with the ice and the jury decides to delay the competition?
....when your staff is food poisoned?
....when you have loss of power and your whole venue is dark?
Yesterday I experienced how 100 Russian managers did this; cooperating, communicating, solving issues, having fun. Because training on reality with your colleagues is fun, and provides energy and motivation for the continous planning.
Something for all of us to learn - I learned a lot from the 100 professional Russian leaders I met yesterday!
But Olympic Games is also about training. It is about testing your plans and procedures and training your workforce in order to achieve perfect performing.
As a manager and leader you need to know which decisions to make, what to communicate, who to report incidents to, how to motivate. Because what do you do.....
....when there is a traffic jam and your venue is only half full just prior to start?
....when there is a problem with the ice and the jury decides to delay the competition?
....when your staff is food poisoned?
....when you have loss of power and your whole venue is dark?
Yesterday I experienced how 100 Russian managers did this; cooperating, communicating, solving issues, having fun. Because training on reality with your colleagues is fun, and provides energy and motivation for the continous planning.
Something for all of us to learn - I learned a lot from the 100 professional Russian leaders I met yesterday!
1/19/11
Cultures and languages
The Olympic Games is not only about sport.
It is also about bringing people together across boarders creating understanding and thereby increase the likelyhood of peace in the world.
So how does it work when an Australian, a Canadian, an Irish and a Norwegian with different English accents meet 100 Russian English-speaking trying to share knowledge on Olympic operations? I'd say were well!
Why? It is all about attitude and willingness to share and learn.
How? You mix a mutual interest (Olympic Games), a desire to perform (thank you good collegues), good planning (thank you to Yulia and Jacqui in particular), good sense of humor (thank you, Russians!) dash it with music and video ingredients from previous Games (thank you IOC) and pick everyone's brain on knowledge and not at least have many dialogues (thank you to all!).
Off we go to a new adventures day in this international landscape!
It is also about bringing people together across boarders creating understanding and thereby increase the likelyhood of peace in the world.
So how does it work when an Australian, a Canadian, an Irish and a Norwegian with different English accents meet 100 Russian English-speaking trying to share knowledge on Olympic operations? I'd say were well!
Why? It is all about attitude and willingness to share and learn.
How? You mix a mutual interest (Olympic Games), a desire to perform (thank you good collegues), good planning (thank you to Yulia and Jacqui in particular), good sense of humor (thank you, Russians!) dash it with music and video ingredients from previous Games (thank you IOC) and pick everyone's brain on knowledge and not at least have many dialogues (thank you to all!).
Off we go to a new adventures day in this international landscape!
1/17/11
Olympic Games again....and again....and again....
I am back in freezing cold Moscow for another workshop. Christmas is still hanging around here, the church around the corner is even more beautiful with the white snow and the blue sky and the Russians are just as hard working this year as last year.
I am amazed how well they are working to plan these coming winter Games and I am thrilled to learn that the Olympic "animal" is living through it's phases as I have learned it through my last 7 Olympic Games. And yet, it is different - new culture, new people (luckily I meet some Olympic gypsis too:-)), and everything is much earlier!!! The planning here is at a stage at this time in the life cycle of an organizing committee far ahead any other I've experienced. The Russians can take these Games to" the gateway to the future", which is also their slogan.
I hope to be there....!
But first there is tomorrow and the first day of interesting lessons to learn.
See you!
I am amazed how well they are working to plan these coming winter Games and I am thrilled to learn that the Olympic "animal" is living through it's phases as I have learned it through my last 7 Olympic Games. And yet, it is different - new culture, new people (luckily I meet some Olympic gypsis too:-)), and everything is much earlier!!! The planning here is at a stage at this time in the life cycle of an organizing committee far ahead any other I've experienced. The Russians can take these Games to" the gateway to the future", which is also their slogan.
I hope to be there....!
But first there is tomorrow and the first day of interesting lessons to learn.
See you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
