In early May, a new kick-off was scheduled at Group Jansen. And what a kick-off it was! For the Métropole project in Brussels – the restoration of an iconic hotel with 267 rooms – we brought together all participating colleagues for an engaging and connecting afternoon. The goal? Getting to know each other better, making clear agreements, and moving forward as one team.
A carabiner is primarily known as a metal hook – used in climbing – that easily opens and closes. At Group Jansen, however, a carabiner means much more. They are team-building days we use to connect people. Such a day doesn’t follow a fixed pattern; instead, we customize it each time depending on the team size, project type, and other factors. The goal always remains the same: bringing people closer together. This was also true for the Métropole project in Brussels.
Kick-off Iconic Restoration
A good start is half the battle. Especially for a mega-project like Métropole in Brussels. So, at the beginning of May, we organized a ‘musketon’ (carabiner) for all colleagues who are rolling up their sleeves for the restoration of this iconic hotel. A ‘musketon’ with a clear goal: one team, one goal. We started by providing insight and overview. From the project organizational chart, we clarify ‘Who is Who’: Who are the strong shoulders under the project? Who is responsible for what? Which experts can you turn to for which questions? The further planning was also discussed. And most importantly: what do we learn from previous Design & Build projects that we realized together? We had open conversations and gave clear answers. Because clear communication is the basis of every strong project.
Be each Other’s Gold
After insight and overview, time for connection! Through playful and targeted exercises around communication and collaboration, the participants got to know each other better. With these exercises, we trigger consultation, listening to each other, flexible handling of ad hoc situations, solution and goal orientation. There was a lot of laughter, here and there someone outwitted each other, but above all, worked together! Gold was the code word of the Escape game, a golden safety helmet the trophy and symbol for this team, these strong people. Be each other’s gold!
The atmosphere? Enthusiastic. The conversations? Open. The lessons? Valuable. Hotel Métropole was already a great project, but now also has an even closer team behind it. Curious about the completion in 2026!
