We continue to explore how to make corporate transformation more successful by more intentional and meaningful involvement of employees.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ilkka Mäkitalo, founder of Howspace, to explore how leaders can create better involvement that taps into collective intelligence, leverages technology, and fosters deeper engagement.

Key Themes

1. Engage Thoughtfully and Intentionally

Involvement isn’t just about participation; it’s about designing thoughtful interactions. Ilkka emphasizes collaboration design, ensuring processes facilitate meaningful two-way dialogue rather than one-way communication. A well-structured dialogue fosters ownership and builds trust.

2. Focus on Team Involvement More than Individual Involvement

Involving entire teams rather than individuals can lead to deeper, more collaborative discussions. Regular team discussions integrated into existing schedules ensure that transformation efforts don’t feel like an added burden but a shared opportunity for input.

3. Scale-Up Involvement with Help of Technology

Technology and AI can let us scale up involvement, enabling thousands of voices to be heard without logistical barriers. Tools like Howspace facilitate quick, collective input and synthesize insights, making large-scale involvement practical and efficient.

4. The Courage to Lead with Humility

Ilkka highlights the importance of leaders embracing a “not knowing position.” Humble leadership—asking questions and being open to learning—can foster trust and unlock meaningful dialogue and collective wisdom.

5. Transparency and Context in Decision-Making

A transparent process helps employees understand how decisions are made, even if their suggestions aren’t directly implemented. Sharing the broader context aligns individual contributions with organizational priorities.

Reflection Questions

• Reflect on your other qualities as a leader. Why do other people admire you as a leader, besides your knowledge? How might this help you have the courage to let others know “you don’t know”?
• How can we foster humility and openness in our own practices to inspire and empower others?
• When you think about change strategies, even meeting practices in your organization, how are those orchestrated, and who actually owns those processes? Who is designing the collaboration? Is it by intention or is it “as we have always done it”?
• How might you as leader reframe the transformation process from a decision-making process to a learning process? How would it help me invite others, stay more open, and take a “not knowing” position?

About Ilkka Mäkitalo

Ilkka is the founder of Howspace and you can connect with him on LinkedIn here. You can find Howspace’s guide to transformation here.

About Second Crack
More information about us and our work is available on our website: secondcrackleadership.com

For questions, feedback, or suggestions, or to explore how we can help you develop your leadership, email us at hello@secondcrackleadership.com.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Martin Aldergård
Gerrit Pelzer