There is always a way forward

The very different and challenging circumstances and cultures in which Maas operated shaped and sharpened his approach. The experience with the many transition and change processes he supervised layed a solid foundation for the development of his own approach – the Maashelder Method - applicable to any transition or change process. The basis of the Maashelder Method are the three fases within any transition, (i) preparation, (ii) connection and (iii) execution.

"For me, every process starts with walking around the work floor. To literally stand between people, because I want to know, understand and feel what is going on. Actually, I'm doing a kind of 'atmosphere-zero measurement'. Then I clean up everything that stands in the way of cooperation and change. In my opinion this preparation is absolutely crucial. The implementation phase comes later, first I look for connection with the people and their system. The way I work is based on my motto: 'connection comes before action'. For me that's not just a working principle, it is how I am made up."

I make complex processes understandable and chop them into manageable chunks, so that it becomes crystal clear to my client’s employees what needs to be done next.

His experience lies in leading and supervising transitions within companies, integrations and partnerships between companies, as well as in splitting up business units. After his time at Heineken, where Maas led transitions and strategic partnerships at various locations, he started Maashelder. "I believe that any process of transition or change can take place in a healthy and fair way. With an eye for people, capital and time. That’s why I started Maashelder."

His first assignment followed quickly. "Sligro and Heineken asked me to lead the integration of their strategic partnership. As an independent party, my added value in such major change processes lies in finding a way forward that is supported by all parties involved. Each collaboration creates a new dynamic - one that must first be recognized and then acknowledged. For this really enables you to move forward.”

As an independent party, Maashelders added value lies in always finding a way forward that is supported by all parties involved. Each collaboration creates a new dynamic - one that must first be recognised and then acknowledged. For this really enables you to move forward.

His approach mainly revolves around simplifying complex change processes. He chops them into manageable chunks so that it becomes clear what needs to be done. "Maashelder" is a play on words that not only refers to my name and the famous Dutch river, but also to the concept of 'crystal clear'. Because that's what I stand for."

Maas adapts to what is needed in each specific context. "I focus on what needs to be done at a certain client at a certain place and time. Do you need lightness and straightforwardness to create or maintain forward dynamics? Then I make sure that this happens with a sense of humor to put things into perspective. Is there a need for information but shouldn't it become too technical or dry? Then I present an enlightening story to my audience so that the transition process really starts to live for them".

The effective and efficient execution of a task is central to my approach, but that also applies to creating a pleasant and safe atmosphere that makes it more enjoyable for everyone.

If there is one thing Maas learned, it is that in the end all work is human work. This insight is reflected in the services of Maashelder: "Of course, the effective and efficient execution of a task is central to my approach. But that also applies to creating a pleasant and safe atmosphere that makes it more enjoyable for everyone. The amount of time I spend in the preliminary phase of a change process is doubly rewarding in the operational part of the process. In the end, the entire process runs faster as a result". Maas has led and supervised enough very challenging projects to know how you sometimes can get stuck in a process. "But hiccups and conflicts are part of the process. You don't have to worry about it or walk away, as I have learned that there is always a solution."

Or, to phrase the other motto of Michel Maas:

There is always a way forward.