Strategy execution is complex. Three out of four organizations fail at executing their strategies despite incorporating best practices, committed senior management and support from external consultants.
People from all levels struggle to focus on the right priorities, fail to act in accordance with the strategic objectives, or simply do not engage with the CEO’s vision. The current development toward ecosystems that comprise many different parties will only increase complexity.
The financial losses resulting from failed strategy implementation are tremendous, not to mention the operational and emotional disruption caused to the organization and its people.
“Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.”- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
What if you could lead an organization:
Values, beliefs and emotions have a proven impact on human motivation and thus influence our focus, decisions, and actions. Yet these elements are often neglected in the business world, thereby dehumanizing strategies and organizations.
There are several reasons for this. A lack of knowledge and the risk aversion of senior management play a role, but so does anxiety about dealing with emotions.
We partner with organizations to:
Emotions, tensions and unresolved conflicts divert valuable time, energy and attention away from performance and execution.
A team acting as ONE team—aligned, trusting and fully committed to delivering results.
Rebuilding Trust: Transforming a Dysfunctional Executive Leadership Team
A Belgian company in the construction sector faced substantial challenges due to deep conflicts within its executive leadership team. For nearly four years, the team had been dysfunctional, hindering growth opportunities and creating a tense, emotionally charged environment.
Discover moreWe go beyond fixing symptoms or introducing expensive short-term technical solutions.
Our interventions start by exploring the root-causes of the observed behaviours and integrating a solid business perspective complemented with psychology-informed approaches based on scientific tools.
We focus on the visible technical elements such as structure, governance, process and tools. Simultaneously, we tap into the world of values, beliefs, emotions and hidden underlying motivational forces which influence individual and collective behaviour.
It is this winning combination that makes sure our client’s strategy will succeed.
We practice a systems psychodynamic and human-centred approach. We explore not only what is visible within organizations, but also the hidden emotional and relational dynamics that drive behaviour and performance. We believe that understanding these undercurrents creates the conditions for more meaningful, sustainable, and effective change.
Our work is grounded in several core beliefs:
By integrating these principles into strategy execution, we help organizations better understand both the visible and invisible forces that influence success. Our methodology follows five interconnected steps that help organizations uncover root causes, create insight, and implement lasting change.
Our approach is reflected in the book written by Geert Vercaeren, ‘Humanizing Strategy: How to Master Emotions, Values and Beliefs When You Execute Plans.‘
The book captures the core principles, insights, and methodologies that underpin how we work at B15, emphasizing the importance of understanding human dynamics, emotions, beliefs, and behaviours in successfully realizing strategy and sustainable transformation.
Strategy execution is complex. Roughly 70 percent of transformation efforts fail. People in organizations struggle to focus on the right priorities, fail to act in accordance with the strategic objectives, or simply do not engage with the vision of the CEO. The financial losses resulting from failed strategy implementation are tremendous, not to mention the operational and emotional disruption to the organization and its people.
What if you could lead an organization where plans and decisions are executed; where a team acts as “one team”; where people work together spontaneously across teams? What if you could lead an organization where people are inspired and committed to the strategy? What if you could build an organization with efficiency, values, trust and fun at its heart?
Values, beliefs and emotions have a proven impact on human motivation and thus influence our focus, decisions and actions. Yet these elements are often neglected in the professional world, thereby dehumanizing strategies and organizations. Leading research shows that emotion-based barriers present a major threat to strategy execution within organizations. Mistrust and low sharing of useful and timely information, low receptivity to effortful change, mechanistic actions and complacency are examples of barriers that prevent the sense of urgency and commitment which is necessary for change to prevail. No business strategy can afford to neglect emotional and psychological factors, because all strategies ultimately deal with people.
This book provides you with new insights; an unconventional approach on how to humanize your strategy and make it really work. Based on leading research, real stories, case studies and practical tools, Geert Vercaeren takes you into the world of values, beliefs, emotions and often hidden underlying motivational forces that influence individual and collective behaviours in organizations. He shows how dealing consciously and effectively with these human dynamics, often neglected in the strategic process, significantly impacts the performance of your organization and the successful realization of your strategy.
Take a quick test to check if this book is something for you; answer the following questions with Yes or No:
If you answered YES to these questions, you will find this book inspiring and useful.
“We finally rediscover the true power of people to grow a business. This asks for a new style of leadership. Geert Vercaeren provides some compelling answers on how to humanize strategy.”- Steven Baert, (former) CHRO at Novartis
“A strong and compelling call to humanize organizations, teams, culture and leadership as a precondition for strategy execution. Drawing from system-psychodynamic theories and methodologies, Vercaeren provides a much needed manual for change that is both distinctive, in depth, encompassing and practical.”- Erik van de Loo, Professor of Organizational Behaviour, INSEAD Business School
During my 30-year career as organization consultant, coach, and executive in leading consulting firms, I have become painfully aware of the challenges of realizing strategies successfully. I have witnessed first-hand the ineffectiveness of many organizations and their inability to execute even the most well thought out strategies.
With so many consulting firms out there, so much literature published on the subject and all the best practices available, why do most strategies still fail?
I strongly believe that values, beliefs, and emotions have a proven impact on human motivation and thus influence our focus, decisions, and actions. Yet these elements are often neglected in the professional world, thereby dehumanizing strategies and organizations. No business strategy can afford to neglect emotional and psychological factors, because all strategies ultimately deal with people.
My mission is to bring the human perspective into organizations. I want to have a different conversation with leaders in organizations and offer them a different approach to strategy execution. Together we will create a new practice that combines technical and psychological perspectives in a pragmatic and effective way. It is this winning combination that guarantees strategies will succeed.
“I’m passionate about understanding deeper motivations, uncovering sources of energy, and addressing behavioral patterns. It’s about tackling the root causes of challenges, not just the symptoms.”
We are seasoned business professionals who combine strategic acumen with psychological perspectives. Throughout the years, we have built a strong and diverse network of consultants and leadership coaches. All of them are very senior professionals and certified coaches and psychologists, with extensive experience.
Based on the specific needs and locations of our clients, we assemble a dedicated team with the required skill set and fit in values and culture. Through our network we have access to diversity, talent, fresh inspiration and the latest insights.
Our six core values are fundamental in delivering success for our clients and give direction in everything we do.
We provide honest perspectives and constructive challenge, even when conversations are difficult. We prioritize what truly serves the client and the organization over what is easiest or most comfortable.
We listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and take time to understand your people, culture, challenges, and ambitions before proposing any interventions.
Real transformation involves ambiguity and difficult emotions. We help leaders and teams navigate uncertainty with openness and reflection.
We stay engaged, persistent, and solution-oriented — especially when change becomes challenging or resistance emerges.
We approach people with genuine care, respect for different perspectives, and compassion during moments of difficulty and change.
We hold ourselves to high standards of quality and impact, while remaining grounded, open to learning, and respectful in how we collaborate.
Whether you have a question, want to explore new ideas, or are curious about how we work, feel free to reach out.
info@b15.be
