ASML, a global semiconductor lithography equipment manufacturing leader, faced unique challenges. The company, known for its innovative technology solutions that enable advanced semiconductor chip production, had assembled a diverse team of fifty individuals from around the world. These team members represented a rich tapestry of backgrounds, experiences, and organisational tenures.

The international team at ASML played a vital role in the company's mission to advance semiconductor technology, contributing significantly to its global operations and success.

However, despite this diversity, they grappled with several pressing challenges:

1. Ironing out the creases in relationships between different country units.

2. Creating a new shared vision.

3. Making visible the tension and undercurrents.

4. Establishing a new working language
   

To address these challenges, we embarked on a journey with ASML to understand the root causes of the issues and pave the way for a more cohesive and aligned team.

Background

1. Interviews
   We conducted online and one-on-one interviews with team members to gain insights into their perspectives and experiences.

2. Analysis
   We identified recurring themes such as exhaustion, frustration, and the desire for a more explicit shared purpose.

3. Hypotheses
   We developed two working hypotheses - unresolved or unacknowledged pain and the need for a clear shared purpose.

4. Philosophy
   We adopted the belief that an organisation is a living organism with its own energy and purpose, with teams functioning as cells within this organism. We recognised the importance of shared purpose and responsibility for team success.

Problem Statement

1. Divergent Views
   Team members expressed mixed feelings, combining exhaustion and frustration with a deep sense of belonging and pride in ASML.

2. Internal Dynamics
   Despite mutual respect and support, the team faced hidden tensions and challenges that needed to be addressed.

Solutions

1. Creating a Shared Purpose
   The team worked collaboratively using the Lego© Serious Play© method to define a shared vision and purpose that reflected their collective aspirations and motivations.

2. Addressing Undercurrents
   The team confronted hidden tensions and past traumas through constellation exercises and open dialogue, bringing them to the surface for resolution.

Implementation

The shared purpose became the guiding North Star for the team's actions and decisions. Open communication and a newfound understanding of each other's perspectives helped foster a harmonious work environment.

The ASML international team experienced a transformation. They were more explicit on their collective mission and more aware of the underlying dynamics that had hindered their performance. Consequently, they became happier, more focused, and significantly more engaged in their work.

By recognising the team as a living entity within the organisation and addressing shared purpose and unresolved tensions, ASML successfully harmonised its international team, enhancing collaboration and achieving greater productivity and engagement.

We have delivered similar solutions to the following clients: