Bespreekbaarheid: The Missing Ingredient in IT Organizations

Bespreekbaarheid: A Path to Openness in IT

Over the weekend, I stumbled upon a Dutch word that lingers in my mind like a melody I can’t shake—Bespreekbaarheid. It’s more than just a word; it’s a philosophy that encourages open dialogue and transparency. It resonated deeply with me, not only because of my wife’s Dutch heritage but because of its profound implications for my work in IT. I began to wonder: what would change if we brought this ethos into our workplaces? What if the freedom to speak openly became the foundation of how we worked together?

IT is a world of relentless change, where innovation is both the engine and the destination. Yet, beneath the sleek frameworks and methodologies—Agile, DevOps, Scrum—there is often something missing. The human element. The courage to speak freely. The humility to listen deeply. Bespreekbaarheid reminds us that our work isn’t just about systems and code; it’s about people. It’s about creating a culture where every voice matters, where every idea can find the light of day without fear of judgment.

What Is Bespreekbaarheid?

At its core, Bespreekbaarheid is the practice of fostering open, honest conversations in an environment free of fear or judgment. It’s not just about allowing people to speak—it’s about actively creating the conditions where they want to speak because they know their voice will be valued. You’ve seen glimpses of it in culture already: when a company holds town hall meetings to address employee concerns directly, or when leaders publicly own their mistakes, inviting feedback from their teams. It’s the foundation of psychological safety in teams and the driving force behind collaborative innovation. When a professional sports team analyzes its losses together without blaming any individual, that’s Bespreekbaarheid in action. When an organization encourages discussions about mental health or work-life balance without stigma, it breathes life into this ethos. Bespreekbaarheid is more than a corporate buzzword; it’s a cultural shift toward trust, transparency, and collective growth.

The Gift of Open Dialogue

Innovation thrives on conversation. Yet, how often do we silence ourselves out of fear? How many breakthroughs remain locked away because no one felt safe enough to share? Bespreekbaarheid stands against that silence. It invites us to speak, to question, to dare. It nurtures a culture where even the smallest idea can ripple into something extraordinary.

And what about the challenges? IT is full of them—complex problems that demand collective wisdom. Agile gives us tools like retrospectives and sprint planning, but Bespreekbaarheid breathes life into those practices. It creates a space where honesty is met with understanding, where teams can face obstacles head-on, unburdened by pretense or blame.

Then there’s the weight we carry—the stress, the deadlines, the constant push for more. Bespreekbaarheid offers relief. It reminds us that it’s okay to speak of our struggles, to admit when the load feels too heavy. In doing so, it aligns beautifully with Agile’s call for sustainable work. A team that talks is a team that lasts.

Building Bridges, Finding Trust

Trust is fragile, yet it’s the backbone of every team. Bespreekbaarheid strengthens it. When people know they can speak freely, trust grows naturally, like a tree taking root in fertile soil. Agile depends on trust—teams self-organize, adapt, and innovate only when there’s confidence in one another. Bespreekbaarheid deepens that trust, turning collaboration into something more than a process. It becomes a way of being.

Living Bespreekbaarheid

Imagine this: a Scrum Master leading a retrospective where every voice is heard, not out of obligation, but because the culture invites it. Picture a Product Owner engaging in candid conversations with stakeholders, shaping a backlog that truly reflects the team’s priorities. See a developer, unafraid to point out flaws in a design, knowing their input is valued.

Bespreekbaarheid is there in the quiet moments, too. During a code review, where feedback becomes a tool for growth rather than criticism. Around a conference table, where enterprise architects wrestle with trade-offs, openly weighing risks and rewards. In the leadership office, where decisions are shaped by honest feedback from a team that isn’t afraid to speak its mind.

A Culture Worth Pursuing

The heart of Bespreekbaarheid is simple: openness. But its impact is profound. It shifts the way we work, replacing fear with trust, silence with dialogue, and isolation with community.

IT is more than technology. It’s people. It’s the connections we build and the conversations we have. Bespreekbaarheid is a reminder that the greatest innovations often begin with a simple, honest exchange. It’s not just a way of working—it’s a way of living.

So, as you navigate the challenges of your day, consider this: what would change if you embraced Bespreekbaarheid? What breakthroughs could you unlock? What burdens could you lighten?

The answers lie in the conversations yet to be had, the ideas yet to be shared. All it takes is the courage to begin.