With agile management, the Allwetterzoo Münster brings momentum to its projects

Agile self-organisation as the key to overcoming the complexity trap

In 1875, the Zoological Garden opened its gates in Münster and has since been a well-known attraction far beyond the borders of the region. Rebuilt in 1974 at a new location as an all-weather zoo, the zoo today houses over 2,500 animals and attracts more than half a million visitors annually (over 600,000 in 2021). In addition to the extensive routine work in animal care and visitor support, there are always small and large projects that shape the daily work of the almost 170 employees. Whether it is the construction of the "Meranti Hall" or a spontaneous benefit evening for the refugees from Ukraine, a lot is organised and implemented every day at the zoo. In order to cope with the increasing complexity, zoo director Dr Simone Schehka engaged the management consultancy noventum to train her top management in agile project management. Uwe Rotermund, noventum managing director and culture change expert, led the zoo management through the workshop with noventum consultant Rabea Wolters and was available for individual coaching afterwards.

In a nc360° interview, Dr Schehka reports on the lasting impact of the training on the day-to-day management of the all-weather zoo.