A dynamic day of learning, unexpected challenges, and practical lessons in teamwork marked the success of the “Better Together – Understand - Align - Move Together” training program for employees of Global Factories Group (GF), delivered in collaboration with Lead-UP Academy.

The program was facilitated by Ms. Lê Thị Ngọc Huyền – Chief Operating Officer of Lead-UP Academy, adopting an experiential learning approach that integrated interactive activities, group discussions, and team-based problem-solving challenges.

To ensure the effectiveness of this distinctive program, Lead-UP Academy invested considerable time in researching and thoroughly analyzing the training needs, participant characteristics - including both Vietnamese and international employees - and the actual working environment of Global Factories Group. Based on these insights, the training content, scenarios, and experiential activities were purposefully designed to address real-world challenges related to collaboration, communication, and working effectively with differences within the organization. Each activity was meticulously prepared, covering implementation scenarios, training materials, team formation, time management, and contingency plans for unexpected situations.

This thorough preparation, combined with seamless coordination among Ms. Lê Thị Ngọc Huyền, Lead-UP Academy’s implementation team, and partner representatives, enabled the program to unfold smoothly and dynamically while generating significant positive impacts on participants. Beyond demonstrating enthusiasm and proactive engagement, participants progressively experienced, recognized, and practiced the program’s core messages: understanding differences, identifying common ground, aligning directions, and taking collective action toward shared objectives. Through such meticulous preparation and coordinated execution, the program’s primary objectives were achieved to an outstanding degree, contributing to a truly memorable and valuable learning experience for the Global Factories Group team.

Photo: Ms. Lê Thị Ngọc Huyền sharing insights and inspiring the team.

From Diverse Perspectives to a Shared Objective

One of the program’s highlights was “The Royal Bridge Mission”, a collaborative bridge-building challenge. With four teams working toward a shared mission, participants engaged in designing solutions, presenting ideas, selecting an implementation direction, gathering information, and collaborating to construct bridges.

These challenges provided opportunities for individual team members to express their perspectives, exchange ideas, and recognize that people may approach the same problem based on different information and viewpoints.

Through the Data Discovery activity, participants practiced asking questions, listening attentively, and sharing information to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the situation, rather than rushing to conclusions based on initial assumptions.

In particular, the bridge-building and acceptance-testing challenge emphasized a fundamental principle: Success is not achieved merely when one team completes its own responsibilities; it also requires collaboration and mutual support to ensure that everyone achieves the shared objective.

Photo: A team’s completed bridge, constructed using its own unique approach.

“Better Together” – We Do Not Need to Be Alike to Work Effectively Together

For Global Factories Group, a Netherlands-based technology company specializing in the development of automation solutions for the pharmaceutical industry, collaboration across precision mechanical engineering, automation technology, software, and pharmaceutical workflows is a critical component of its business and manufacturing operations.

Similarly, an effective team must be able to connect individuals with diverse areas of expertise, experiences, and perspectives.

The program’s overarching message was encapsulated in three core principles:

• UNDERSTAND – Embracing Understanding: Be curious before making judgments, ask questions before making assumptions, and respect different perspectives.
• ALIGN – Aligning Around Shared Objectives: Identify common ground and engage in constructive dialogue to agree on a shared direction and course of action.
• MOVE TOGETHER – Taking Collective Action: Each individual proactively takes responsibility for their own contribution while remaining ready to support teammates in achieving collective outcomes.

These principles reflect the central message that the program sought to convey: We do not need to think alike, share the same personalities, or always agree with one another. What truly matters is our ability to understand one another, respect differences, and take collective action toward shared goals.

Photo: Learning and working together to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen team cohesion.

Strengthening Connections Today – Creating Tomorrow’s Success

Following Global Factories Group’s 26-year journey of development, people, trust, and a spirit of long-term collaboration continue to represent essential values underpinning the company’s growth, alongside its technological achievements and business accomplishments.

The “Better Together” program aimed not only to create a dynamic learning environment that fostered interaction and strengthened connections among team members, but also to help participants identify practical principles of collaboration that could be directly applied to their daily work.

A machine requires every component to operate with precision. A team requires every member to fulfill their role and collaborate effectively toward a common goal.

Lead-UP Academy extends its sincere appreciation to Global Factories Group and all participants for their collaboration, active engagement in the activities, and valuable contributions to creating an energetic and meaningful learning experience.

We wish the entire GF team continued success in cultivating mutual understanding, respecting differences, collaborating proactively, and creating new achievements together!

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