Employability is not just a buzz word

How do you explain what a chapter lead does?

Previously, a team was headed by a functional manager. This person decided what needed to be done and how to do this. In an agile environment, this is different. Here, a Product Owner is responsible for the functional delivery, while the Chapter Lead focuses on how this is done.

Basically, you focus on people’s talents. You know in which direction the Product Owner wants to move and develop talents in support of this. This means that you will help people build up their careers. At ING, this role is often combined with that of engineer.

The three main advantages of agile working

First of all, you have more say and autonomy in what you are doing. This brings greater clarity to your role in a project.

I have also noticed that there is more connection between engineers and the management now. People experience their positions within the organisation much more intensely. This also makes them more committed.

There is a lot more cross-pollination. Colleagues from chapters consult with one another more frequently. To brainstorm, to gather inspiration. You can call it cross-population or knowledge sharing.

Employability might be a buzzword, but it is the most crucial aspect of my task. Making sure that people can be employed to the best of everyone’s advantage.

How would you describe a good chapter lead?

First and foremost, as a highly empathic person. You have to sense what people are like. To allow introverted and extroverted people to collaborate fruitfully. A chapter lead is also someone who is good at directing others. Someone who prompts you to take charge of your career, to grow.

Employability might be a buzzword, but it is the most crucial aspect of my task. Making sure that people can be employed to the best of everyone’s advantage. Whether internally or externally. If we are continually being plagued by headhunters I know that I have done my job well.

Why have you been at ING for 15 years?

That’s easy. The opportunities and the people. I started as out a system administrator and, ever since then, I have been able to do something new every 2 to 5 years. This is something I’ve always received support for. And I also want to be just as supportive to other people. ING approaches this very well as a company.