An interview with Aad Westerveld IF YOU WERE A PLANT, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE? “I wouldn’t be a plant because I can’t sit still. As a quality controller, I sometimes walk more than 20 kilometres a day – at least, that’s what my pedometer says. And I don’t sit still at home either, as I keep chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and horses on my farm. Once a month, I convert my chicken shed into a pub with a live band and friends. New friendships form at these get-togethers, so there’s a lot of added social value.” WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN YOU LOOK BACK AT 2018? “I’ve learned a lot thanks to courses like Personal Growth. At times, I say what’s on my mind without a filter, so I want to learn to communicate even better. A lot is invested in the younger employees, but continuous learning is just as important for the older ones.” WHAT DO YOU DO DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE OF THE COURSE? “Before, I mainly used to tell other people what to do; now I’m more inclined to ask colleagues how they would solve a certain problem. And sometimes, someone has a brilliant plan. By treating each other with respect, you build goodwill and can put up with much more from each other.” HOW DO YOU GROW ‘TOGETHER’? “By talking to people. At the Pizza with Covey sessions by ‘Covey guru’ Michiel de Haan, colleagues from different generations and departments sit together at the table. That creates a really valuable bond. It makes it easier to approach each other and make use of everyone’s expertise. Together, you can create something beautiful.” 53
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