Working Out Loud® for
Teams
For a more respectful and collaborative team environment. Greater satisfaction for everyone. Higher overall performance.
A clear sense of "I" for a strong "we"!
Measurable success
At the beginning, middle, and end of the 8-week program, we ask participants to complete a self-assessment (on a scale of 1-10) regarding the 9 factors that high-performing teams .
The results of a Siemens team that completed the program in 2023 are shown here as an example.
A total increase of 35 points was achieved after completion of the program across all nine subject areas.
+4 points increase after completion of the program on the topic of 'Psychological Safety'.
+9 points increase after completion of the program on the topic of 'connectedness'.
What is WOL® for teams?
WOL® for Teams is a program designed for teams that primarily work virtually and share a common task in their daily work. It's ideal for teams that have been working together for a long time, are newly forming as a team, and/or are welcoming new members. Each team can consist of 3-10 participants working in a Circle. The Circle meets once a week for 1.5 hours over 8 weeks , and collaboration takes place on a Miro board. The unique aspect of the program is that each week's topic is first reflected upon from the individual perspective of the participants, focusing on their own needs. The team then meets to gather these diverse needs and negotiate them collectively.
This approach has been proven to promote team building and performance: In 8 weeks, you will work together more effectively as a team and develop both as an individual and within and with the team, so that work strengthens you and healthy high performance is possible.
Over the eight weeks of the program, nine factors that form the basis for high-performing teams are emphasized.
The "I" factors are important for personal motivation: autonomy, skills development, purpose, and connection.
The "We" factors build upon these: psychological safety, reliability, structure and clarity, meaning, and the effectiveness of the work are the factors that characterize a truly high-performing team.
An increase in all nine factors is assessed through an anonymous self-assessment and compiled as a team result to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program.
Nine factors for high-performance teams
The self-factors
autonomy
Skills development /
improvementsense
Connection / Networking
The WE factors
Psychological safety
reliability
Structure & Clarity
Meaning / Purpose of work
Effectiveness of work
The essentials at a glance
What it's about: The program focuses on team building, team cohesion, clarity, and performance. A clear "I" for a strong "we" is the guiding principle.
Target group for the program: The program and its content are aimed at teams that work towards a common goal in their daily work and want to develop further as a team:
newly founded teams, teams with new members or teams that have not done anything for themselves for a long time.
Minimum number of participants: The program only makes sense if a team of at least 3-10 people from your company participates. There is no upper limit; many teams can participate simultaneously.
Timeframe and Commitment: The program runs for 8 weeks. A start is possible at any time after consultation and planning. Participants meet once a week for 90 minutes and invest approximately one additional hour in preparing for these meetings. Three accompanying events, each lasting
one hour, will also take place.
Total time investment: 23 hours
Costs: We offer attractive WOL® programs and licenses for businesses. Send us an email and we'll create a customized offer tailored to you and your requirements.
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“WOL increases intrinsic motivation, mental health and important aspects for team collaboration.”
Prof. Julia Schorlemmer, FOM University of Applied Sciences for
Economics & Management -
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“Results revealed that WOL could significantly increase learners' WOL behavior and psychological empowerment at work in the post and six-month follow-up measurements.”
T. Augner, CC Schermuly and F. Jungmann
(2023, WOL: an intervention study to test an agile learning method”, Journal of Workplace Learning, In print). -
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“The WOL method brought people together, strengthened mutual understanding, and fostered their sense of belonging.”
Anne S, Change Agent,
SMA Solar Technology -
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“At Deutsche Telekom, we believe that WOL helps our employees to develop successfully in a connected world of work.”
Sebastian A., Telekom,
Senior HR Business Partner -
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“Being part of WOL was an incredible experience of connection and commitment.”
Maria Fernanda,
Lead HR Business Partner, Kaiser + Kraft -
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“I am absolutely convinced that we need this appreciative, generous, open and connecting attitude that WOL conveys to us.”
Dennis B., Enterprise Collaboration
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"WOL is a super-rich program—it has everything you need for your career. There is so much for different situations that you can do it again and again."
Katja V., Learning Expert, Blum
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“One of the fundamental skills underpinning New Work.”
Michael Trautmann,
co-creator of 'On the Way
to New Work' podcast and book -
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“Working Out Loud is one of the most beautiful methods in social learning.”
Florian S., HR Coordinator, Radisson Hotel Group
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“Since I took part at my first circle my professional life is more meaningful and full of options.”
Linda F., Education Manager,
University Hospital Zurich -
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"Resilience is a future competence! We were the first to go through the WOL Resilience program in German. 91% of our participants recommend it."
Elian L, HR Development, SWR
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“The most corporate-friendly way to create human transformation that I have come across.”
Justin F., Global Wealth Investments, Citibank
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“The energy that my WOL Circle gave me was indescribable.”
Kathrin K., HR Consulting & Management
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“WOL creates a mindset we strongly need in today's world of work: learning from each other, achieving goals together.”
Belkis E., Global People Director, LeanIX
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“Was like a Jonathan Franzen novel: rewarding on so many levels including those you never knew existed.”
Karl B., Data Visualization Specialist, Bayer
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![Nancy B., Early Talent Advocate, Pfizer]()
“WOL is the absolute BEST!!!”
Nancy Bruce
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“This year's WOL Circle was my third and I'm still amazed by the (very different) results that were achieved by each group.”
Katharina N., Change Lead, Bayer
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“WOL improves collaboration in the organization & promotes knowledge sharing, especially in times of increasing digitalization & remote working.”
Christian H., Division Manager, Teckentrup
The WOL method is based on five core elements
Relationships
Building sustainable, personal relationships that help and create added value. However, not according to the classic networking principle ("you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours"), but in the sense that you yourself make a meaningful contribution so that the other person also derives added value from the relationship.
Visible work
Making one's own work, thoughts, ideas, learning experiences and knowledge visible as a valuable contribution to the network.
generosity
Sharing knowledge without expecting anything in return, but rather to constructively and sustainably strengthen the network and achieve more together.
Growth-oriented thinking
To approach things openly and curiously, thereby discovering and developing the diverse possibilities.
Targeted Discovery
What resources do I need? What is my contribution to getting closer to the goal and learning something in the process?
"Humans are social beings and want to interact, and social learning is the most important form of learning.".
—Stephen Covey
How Working Out Loud® works for teams
Exchange within the Circle = Team
Working and exchanging ideas in a confidential, psychologically safe environment promotes mutual support, a sense of community, and human connection within the team.
The team is working towards a common goal
Each team member works towards their own goal, while the shared goal is to improve collaboration and team cohesion. This fosters intrinsic motivation, encouraging everyone to actively contribute, reflect, learn, and make progress.
A structured curriculum
Clearly defined exercises help participants to approach the common goal and develop the skills needed to be successful as a team.
Establishing new habits over time
Through gradual practice, week after week, sustainable habits are built and a new way of thinking is cultivated, enabling a respectful and productive coexistence.
Virtual collaboration on MIRO
For more effective collaboration during the program, there is the option to be provided with your own digital MIRO whiteboard.
Each team receives its own board. The content on the boards can be provided in German or English. All content is visually presented in conjunction with the accompanying WOL® workbook.
Here you will find the WOL® Guides, all weekly exercises, and plenty of space for your ideas and collaborative documentation in your Circle Meetings
If needed, we will provide you with an introduction to the board and Miro training so that you can work on it with enjoyment.
Get to know our certified WOL® for Teams coaches
Katharina Krentz
In 2015, Katharina was the first to implement, adapt, and internationally disseminate Working Out Loud (WOL) programs in a large #FrauenStärken powered by WOL programs.
Jens Wiemann
Jens first came into contact with Working Out Loud when he designed a new look for the WOL #FrauenStärkenprogram and soon took on the task of redesigning the global WOL brand ecosystem. Since 2021, he has been part of the #FrauenStärkenco-creation team, supporting the creation of a consistent brand look and feel and striving to continuously improve the overall learning experience. He has also been working as a WOL for Teams coach since 2024.
#WOL® for teams in the press
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Changing Out Loud, Christmas Special 21, December 2021
Surprise for all Working Out Loud fans: Starting in 2022, Working Out Loud for Teams is coming. In this episode, Katharina Krentz shares her experiences testing this new approach. WOL4Teams is designed for teams pursuing a common goal, focusing on team building, collaboration, and performance. Learn more in this episode.
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Florian Titz, LinkedIn, 2023
Working Out Loud for Teams: Why do teams perform extremely well, why others don't? What makes a great #teamspirit coaching? View post.
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Florian Titz, Siemens Aerospace, LinkedIn, 2023
In my last post I shared how our WOL journey towards a team based on trust, psychological safety, spirit to support each other started. Read entire post.
Also get to know the other WOL programs
WOL® Circles
Those who want to experience WOL should ideally start with the WOL Circle method . The focus is on building networking, digital and communication skills, as well as self-reflection, self-efficacy and clarity about one's own goals, skills and habits.
Who is the program for?
All employees who want to expand their network, achieve a goal, research a topic, or gain access to further career opportunities.
WOL® Resilience
Develop and improve your skills and better master challenges with WOL Resilience . Overcome uncertainty, feeling overwhelmed, and conflicts through practical techniques and methods for greater mindfulness, body awareness, reflective ability, and resilience.
Who is the program for? Employees who benefit from practical techniques and collaborative learning to feel less stressed and better able to cope with challenges.
WOL® Shopfloor
WOL Shopfloor strengthens the engagement and participation of all employees in the operational work environment. The focus is on simple job crafting methods to achieve greater job satisfaction by changing one's own attitude and developing personal skills.
Who is the program for? Employees in time-constrained environments such as factories, manufacturing, retail, and hospitals who want to improve their daily work experience.
#FS powered by WOL®
#FrauenStärken powered by WOL program is on empowering women and people perceived as female to strengthen themselves, support other women, and further develop their own skills such as self-efficacy, networking, and communication skills.
Who is the program for? People who want to empower themselves and others to become more effective and visible through networking and collaboration.
Is WOL® for Teams the right program for your company? Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting today and find out. We look forward to your inquiry.
Use the contact form, book an appointment directly with us, or send us an email to wol@connecting-humans.de
