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Success is better when shared

At BUFFL, improvement isn’t just a buzzword - it’s woven into everything we do. Our mission is to predict business success, reduce waste, and create a better world to live in. We put this into action by helping clients fine-tune their ideas through iterative validation.‍

‍Repeatedly validating your decisions with your audience is the best guarantee for success. That is why we decided it was time to turn the spotlight on ourselves. During a two-day team building retreat, we didn’t just aim to bond as a team; we wanted to take a deep dive into who we are as a company and how we can get even better.

Team building events are an annual tradition at BUFFL, but this year we decided to shake things up. Instead of the usual one-day getaway, we dedicated two full days to really dig into what makes BUFFL tick—our mission, our culture, and our collective goals. For this, we chose to go glamping at Maisterplan in Damme.

We kicked things off with a unique exercise: imagining BUFFL as a climber tackling a metaphorical mountain. Each of us thought about the "climbing gear" we already had – our strengths and resources – and what new ‘equipment’ we might need to reach the summit. It was a fun and practical way to figure out where we’re strong and where we might need a little help. The discussions that followed were eye-opening, with some of us seeing strengths where others saw room for improvement.

One of the most memorable moments was when we turned our own validation methods inward. We’re all about helping clients iterate and refine their ideas, so it made perfect sense to use those same principles on ourselves. We asked ourselves some tough questions: Are we as proactive as we think we are? In which aspects do we still ‘allow’ waste? Where could we be doing better? It wasn’t just an exercise in theory; it was about living out the principles we preach to our clients.

Change is a given in startups like ours, so the importance of such a reflective approach is indisputable. We found that while we’re doing well in many areas, there’s always room to grow. Of course, identifying these challenges was just the first step. We wanted everyone to have a voice in finding solutions. So, after a lively brainstorming session, we voted on the top three initiatives to focus on in the coming year.

To help us make the most of this time, we brought in Vanessa from Frnkly, a consultant who’s great at turning company stories into action plans. Vanessa’s philosophy – moving from "story-building" to "story-doing" – really hit home for us. It’s one thing to talk about the company you want to be; it’s another to take the steps to actually become that company.

Over the two days, we engaged in a series of activities that helped align our everyday actions with BUFFL’s long-term goals. We focused on our three core values: ‘Be curious, decide’, ‘Success is better when shared’, and ‘Lead the way’. One exercise that really stood out was a feedback session in speed-dating style. We paired up and gave each other honest, constructive feedback on how well we’re living out BUFFL’s values. It wasn’t about criticising; it was about helping each other grow in a positive, supportive way.