DNLA on the lookout for new member firm in the Netherlands

13 March 2019 Consultancy.eu

DNLA, an international HR consultancy and solutions provider specialised in psychometrics, is on the lookout for a new member team in the Netherlands. The owners of the firm’s successful Dutch operation are set to retire in the coming 2-3 years, triggering DNLA’s corporate team to launch a succession management process. 

The DNLA approach, which stands for Discovering & Developing Natural Latent Abilities, is currently used by corporations and mid-sized businesses in over 20+ countries, mainly in Europe and the Middle East. The approach, developed in the late 80s in Germany, helps organisations, teams and individuals assess their skills and capabilities, and then provides frameworks and tools for developing these skills. 

The proprietary approach builds on the paradigm that the success of enterprise is mainly determined by human capital. “Their ideas, engagement and motivation, is key to the success of organisations,” commented Richard Shearing of Anodos Discovery, a UK-based partner at DNLA. “Therefore, investing effectively in the development of employees and their qualifications and motivations, pays off in multiple ways.” 

With its vision, DNLA joins a cohort of expert research firms and consultancies that advocate the strategic benefits of capability building. Recent studies from for instance McKinsey & Company, Korn Ferry and Mercer have all demonstrated the link between investing in up-skilling and professional development and employee productivity, as well as financial returns down the line. 

DNLA in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, one of the twelve European markets DLNA currently operates in, the firm has completed over 2,000 DNLA assessments and debriefings since establishing its local operation in 2003. The operation has grown to a team of 40 accredited consultants and works primarily for organisations in the public sector, including provinces, municipalities and schools.

DNLA on the lookout for new member firm in the Netherlands

One of the firm’s landmark projects in the country was conducted in collaboration with OMO Scholengroep Helmond, a group of four schools for students of all levels in the city of Helmond. As part of the group’s strategy to prepare its workforce for the changing skills landscape – 21st century skills – the management team tapped DNLA to assess the soft skills of teachers and managers. The experts then mapped out the skills needed to be successful today and in the future, after which they conducted a gap assessment. Based on the analysis, actions plans for improving all kinds of social competences and management skills have been executed.

Not much later, the local project caught the eye of the global group, with the Dutch team scooping a DNLA-Award at an annual internal award ceremony held in Germany. “The award is handed out to partners and clients who demonstrate excellence in the application of the DNLA methodology and deliver tangible benefits.” 

On the lookout

With the owners of VOV Consultancy – DLNA’s lead partner in the Netherlands – nearing their well-deserved pension, a succession management process has been kicked off. “We are looking for successors who can continue our business with existing partners, clients and networks,” explained Markus Gaugler, responsible for DNLA’s international partner network. There is however much room for growing into new segments and markets, he said, with in particular the small business, family business and corporate segments earmarked as targets. 

Branching out DLNA’s application span is another area where growth opportunities lie on the horizon. “In the Netherlands, currently, DNLA is almost exclusively used for coaching and personal development. In other markets, one third and upwards of engagements support HR processes such as selection, recruitment and internal assessments for placement and career advancement. So here, there is a lot of room for growth.” 

Experts and/or HR consulting firms that seek to join the DNLA network as a representative are expected to bring an established track record in human resources, as well as boast a network in the SME space. Building on DLNA’s network and support (methodology, best practices, marketing support, online presence, innovation), they are further expected to oversee client business, maintain a network of accredited professionals and bring new offerings to market. 

Parties in the Netherlands interested in exploring opportunities with DNLA can send an email to Markus Gaugler.