iLean and This is Performance forge a new strategic partnership

In a move set to redefine business agility, iLean has joined forces with This is Performance to integrate agile methods with the powerful Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) framework. This partnership aligns team efforts with organizational goals, ensuring that businesses not only adapt to change but also drive meaningful, measurable results. iLean always strives to stay on top of its agile game, and in This is Performance, they found the perfect partner to help achieve their ambition. We asked Kris Philippaerts, Managing Partner at iLean, and Renzo Zitman, CEO at This is Performance, to pinpoint their shared vision, beliefs, and how they will impact clients’ lives using the OKR methodology for driving results.

The need for team alignment

Kris Philippaerts, Managing Partner at iLean, highlights a critical challenge many Agile teams face today – a challenge both iLean and This is Performance have observed in their clients over the years: the disconnect between strategic vision and day-to-day execution.

“We’ve seen it repeatedly – teams work hard, but their efforts often remain siloed, focusing on local optimizations rather than contributing to broader organizational objectives,” Philippaerts explains. “We’re also noticing a kind of Agile fatigue. Managers are becoming less inclined to implement Agile methods, even though the need for them is greater than ever.”

This is where OKRs come into play. By clearly defining and aligning objectives across all organizational levels, OKRs offer a structured approach to keep teams on track towards achieving impactful goals.

Renzo Zitman, CEO of This is Performance, shares this view, emphasizing that Agile’s true impact goes beyond methodology – it’s about inspiring teams to reach for higher outcomes.

Agile isn’t just about following a results-driven process. It’s about fostering a mindset where teams feel motivated and empowered to drive real change. With OKRs, we ensure this mindset translates into meaningful results. – Renzo Zitman

Commitment to continuous improvement

For iLean, this partnership represents a continuation of their relentless pursuit of excellence in Agile practices. “We’re always exploring new methods and tools that can enhance our clients’ ability to stay agile and competitive,” Philippaerts notes. “Partnering with This is Performance is a natural extension of our commitment to providing our clients with the best strategies available. OKRs add a professional level that complements Agile perfectly, ensuring that every action taken in an organization is a step towards a meaningful outcome.”

This collaboration also reflects iLean’s dedication to staying ahead of the curve in the Agile landscape. “The market is evolving, and so are we,” Philippaerts continues. “By integrating OKRs into our Agile offerings, we’re not just keeping up with trends; we’re setting new ones. This partnership allows us to offer a comprehensive solution that addresses both the strategic and operational needs of our clients.”

Of course, partnerships are two-way streets. With This Is Performance bringing their expertise in goal-setting and shared business ambitions, they also look to iLean to add value to their services. Renzo focuses on the cultural differences between Belgium and The Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of understanding local culture when implementing organizational changes: “Belgium and the Netherlands have distinct cultural landscapes, which is why partnering with iLean is crucial for This is Performance. By leveraging iLean’s deep knowledge of the Belgian market, we can ensure our services resonate with Belgian clients and provide the best value. Using local expertise is essential to effectively support organizations in achieving their goals.”

By partnering, both iLean and This Is Performance not only share profound knowledge aimed at optimizing their services, but they also share a never-ending drive for offering quality and a joint vision on how to achieve this in an Agile way.

Focus on full engagement

When it comes to setting up new initiatives, a strong vision is an important first step. But how are iLean and This Is Performance, planning to make their joint mission statement tangible for their clients? And what do customers stand to gain by implementing this new approach?

As iLean and This is Performance begin rolling out joint initiatives, their first step will focus on developing integrated training programs and consulting services designed to embed OKRs within Agile frameworks. This includes a series of workshops and training sessions where teams from both organizations will collaborate to refine the integration process, ensuring it meets the unique needs of their clients. 

Zitman highlights the importance of this collaborative approach: “We’re not just handing over a set of tools and walking away. We’re working closely with iLean to ensure that the implementation of OKRs is seamless and effective. This means continuous learning, adapting, and refining our methods as we go.”

Looking forward, both leaders are optimistic about the impact of this partnership. “We’re entering a new phase in how businesses approach agility and performance,” Zitman says. “Together, iLean and This is Performance are setting the stage for a more strategic, outcome-driven approach to Agile.”

Philippaerts adds, “Our goal is to empower our clients to not only respond to change but to drive it. With OKRs integrated into Agile, we’re giving them the tools they need to navigate the complexities of today’s business environment and emerge stronger on the other side.”

The most important ‘what’s-in-it-for-you’ we want to offer our clients is the full engagement of all their teams.
Zitman, CEO of This is Performance

Future-proofing organizations

To summarize our discussion with both coaches, it’s clear that the partnership between iLean and This is Performance goes beyond a simple business arrangement; it represents a strategic alliance built on a shared dedication to innovation and excellence. The combined knowledge and experience of these two companies will provide organizations with a robust approach to boost agility, enhance performance, and achieve sustained success as they move forward together.

“We’re eager to see what the future brings,” Philippaerts remarks. “This partnership is just the start. We’ll continue to explore new ways to integrate our methods and deliver even more value to our clients.”

In an ever-changing business landscape, the collaboration between iLean and This is Performance aims to help organizations not only adapt but flourish, with agility and performance as key drivers of their accomplishments.