Skiing forward strategically – together

During the past few weeks, the work and efforts of the Finnish skiers at the Olympic Games have been followed via the screens at home. At the Olympics, it has been possible to feel excitement, disappointment and joy. On several days we have been able to enjoy mitalikahvit, (“medal coffee”, a Finnish word and expression used for the action to drink coffee to honor someone who has won a medal in sports) – some days even refilled.

In Finland, the winter weather has been favorable for skiing this year. Many have been able to experience the joy of skiing or other feelings related to it, whether they have been positive or something else. On “skiing holiday”, many also travel to North for skiing.

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The performance of Iivo and other skiers is based on long-term training, in which especially the last year is crucial. The goals for the Olympics have been set well in advance.

Year 2021 was the year of strategy process of the Faculty of Education. Although the everyday work life has been more stressful than usual due to remote working and the Covid-19 situation, we have simultaneously worked together to set goals for the future. The Faculty’s strategy process has been based strongly on collaborative learning and development. In its early stages, there was, three times, quite a VIIMA (Finnish word for cold wind), as can be experienced with winter sports. The location of the finish line was determined and the ski trail network was designed together. As a result, after over a year of work, we have completed the Faculty’s New Opertational Strategic  Programme. A warm thank you for everyone for their active participation in the strategy process!

The new strategic action plan of the Faculty has been prepared for the period 2022–2025. We have an important Olympiad ahead; this is not a sprint. The concrete list of strategic objectives, key measures and responsible parties attached to the action plan will help us track the progress towards the goal. As ”iivoniskanen” of our own working life and as members of the Faculty’s ski team, we pursue the best possible result. Sometimes that result can be the best one in the world. We can assess whether we have achieved of the main goal after four years. Hopefully we can then celebrate our joint performance with a cup of coffee – or maybe even with a glass of bubbly.

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The skiing trail network is now designed and the trail will guide us to the finish line. However, the actual work has only just begun. Although the track map is ready, we will also keep our eyes open for possible shortcuts: if a shorter route can be taken to get to the finish line, we are ready to change the plan.

The main goal of the Faculty’s operational strategic programme is to increase co-operation and inclusion. This goal defines both the internal development of the faculty and the relationships outside the Faculty. We will pursue the main goal through sub-goals and measures related to research, education, social interaction and the community.

So, it is not just about one skier or two, and not even the relay team, but the entire Faculty. We share Iivo’s view of the role of the entire team as the facilitator for success: “there were not only the two of us there” (see photo).

A warm welcome to ski in the Faculty’s team, either to take the lead or to assist! If skiing is not your thing, welcome to the trail patrol, and the maintenance and cheering forces! We are all needed in order to achieve the common goal.

Let’s have a good joint strategic journey!

On behalf of the Faculty’s skiing team

Anu Warinowski

Head of the Faculty Develpoment
Faculty of Education

>> Operational strategic programme in English 

>> Strategic objectives, key measures and responsible parties in English (requires login to the university’s internal network)