The Spine Times Liverpool Issue 2

ISSUE 2 /// THURSDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2013 /// EUROSPINE2013.EU

INTERVIEW TIM PIGOTT AND MARTIN WILBY

INTERVIEW WITH PHILIP J. SELL You are the incoming president of EUROSPINE. What is your past in the society?

To watch the full video-interview, please scan this QR-code with your smartphone or browse to www.youtube.com/eurospineorg

INTERVIEW WITH HALUK BERK

program day, I have the great our society’s past secretary experience as an executive

society faced?

To watch the full video-interview, please scan this QR-code with your smartphone or browse to www.youtube.com/eurospineorg

To watch the full video-interview, please scan this QR-code with your smartphone or browse to www.youtube.com/eurospineorg

ISSUE 2 /// THURSDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2013 /// EUROSPINE2013.EU

BEATLES & HISTORY OF POP

FACTS ABOUT LIVERPOOL PART 1

ISSUE 2 /// THURSDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2013 /// EUROSPINE2013.EU

ISSUE 2 /// THURSDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2013 /// EUROSPINE2013.EU

ISSUE 2 /// THURSDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2013 /// EUROSPINE2013.EU

PARKS IN LIVERPOOL

CAMP HILL AND WOOLTON WOODS OTTERSPOOL PARK AND PROMENADE (3) SEFTON PARK

1

CALDERSTONES PARK

STANLEY PARK (2)

2

3

ISSUE 2 /// THURSDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2013 /// EUROSPINE2013.EU

PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES

IMPRINT ®

BURNING QUESTIONS

YES

NO

the Spine Society of Europe

Way Forward: An Outside-In Perspective

Beat Leimbacher, former CEO of KPMG Consulting / Bearing Point Switzerland and founder of the Zurich-based consultancy, manage2impact, has been working with EuroSpine over the past year to develop its new Way Forward strategy. He talked with us about EuroSpine’s new strategic direction.

Mr. Leimbacher, how did you first get involved with EuroSpine?

Earlier this year, the Executive Committee recognized that time was right to review its strategic priorities to address current market challenges and strengthen certain areas of the organisation.

They were looking for an external advisor to guide them through a structured review and way forward process while acting as a sparring partner for specific issues.

How was the strategy developed?

®

We took a step-by-step approach, including

an in-depth As-Is and SWOT analysis, 4 workshops with the ExCom and one with younger professionals – each requiring extensive preparation.

social media for communications.

Was there much debate in the decision-making process?

During our workshops and discussions, we came to the conclusion that if EuroSpine’s vision and mission statements could be simplified and clarified, the strategic objectives would follow automatically.

From these new definitions we were then able to identify 4 key priorities: our members, stakeholders, activities and organisational set-up. Here, the organisational set-up must be strictly aligned to support EuroSpine’s activities and approach towards members and stakeholders.

In my view, Eurospine’s approach in defining its Way Forward was a textbook example of how committees should work. In fact, I would say that the process itself was as important as the outcome.

Leading spine care professionals from all over Europe – all of them members of the Executive Committee - were involved in a series of workshops, often expressing strong opinions and opposing viewpoints. The intense discussions contributed to an incredible team spirit and a drive that EuroSpine promotes for all its committees.

Why is it so important to involve young professionals who are just in an early phase of their careers?

EuroSpine recognizes the value of involving younger members while they are still in an early phase of their careers.

As potential future leaders, they bring fresh new ideas and enthusiasm to project and committee work.

During the dedicated workshop, the young professionals proposed innovative ideas such as an online members’ forum and increased use of

What were the main outcomes of the Way Forward process?

What comes next?

Our next step will be to implement the actions identified. Our ability to ‘make things happen’ is at least as important as defining the right strategic direction. Naturally, some ideas and actions proposed still need to be fine-tuned and prioritised, while others require approval in the General Assembly. A strong and efficient management process and highly-motivated team will be crucial in the next phase, as will adequate funding.

However, given strong teamwork, potential closer coordination with the EuroSpine Foundation and proactive cooperation with other spine societies and international organisations, I am confident that EuroSpine is on the right track to achieve its vision.