C-Level Testimonials | Leadership Radar

Renato Mathys, Member of Board of Directors, GVZ

«It was important to us to involve all firefighters in the dialogue»As head of the Fire Department of the GVZ Building Insurance Canton of Zurich, Renato Mathys and his team bear responsibility. The requirements for the fire department are changing. Where do the approximately 6,800 firefighters in the canton see what is necessary, desirable, and superfluous? Mathys went all in and asked them directly through an online dialogue. The results were convincing — even to initial skeptics.

Image source: Christoph Keller, GVZ

In the Canton of Zurich, the fire department has around 15 so-called pioneer vehicles, which are fully financed by the GVZ Building Insurance Canton of Zurich. These are large trucks that are very versatile when it comes to rescue and recovery operations, as Renato Mathys, head of the Fire Department of the GVZ, explains. After 25 years, they have reached their lifespan and must be gradually replaced. To assess how and where this should happen, the GVZ relied on an online dialogue that reached all Zurich firefighters.

How difficult was it for you to get in touch with all the firefighters?Fortunately, we came across a good web app that made this possible. It was important to us to involve all firefighters in this online dialogue and to get many views and ideas.Out of 6'800, 1'635 participated.This level of engagement far exceeded my expectations. I expected about 10 percent participation. This shows the passion and enthusiasm of the firefighters.What specifically did you want to know from the people?We asked local fire departments, support point fire departments, and professional fire departments various questions. For example: «What factors are important for successful rescue operations in accidents?» Or: «What equipment is desired, and what training is essential?»

You surveyed different groups of people. How can this be solved in a single online dialogue?The app has the function that everyone participates in the same dialogue, but the results from different groups can also be displayed separately. In addition to answers, we also received new ideas and solution approaches.

«I learned which solutions are capable of achieving consensus across groups.»

What was the goal of the online dialogue?I wanted to find solutions that had majority support. This dialogue made that possible because it wasn't the loudest voice that shaped the opinion. The result was a list of ideas that received the most approval. This way I knew what each group prioritized, but also which solutions were capable of achieving consensus across groups.

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Can you name a specific idea or opinion?We asked about the general materialization of future vehicles, but not explicitly about the crane that is currently mounted on the pioneer vehicles. Unexpectedly, solution approaches emerged regarding the number of cranes required. This gives us room for maneuver in decision-making.What happens next?The online dialogue helps us find a solution that is not only more economical, but also meaningful for the fire departments. A win-win situation.For every question you asked, you also had your own hypotheses.Yes, we entered five to six solution approaches per question into the system, which were also voted on. However, many other ideas ranked higher. From this I conclude: when we develop something in the office, it doesn't always have to be the optimal solution.Were the new ideas even realistic?It's not that they were completely new ideas. In part, they were variations and developments of our ideas. We were able to derive what is important to the firefighters. What came in was overwhelmingly realistic. The people gave honest, committed answers.What is your overall conclusion?We received important, helpful input through the online dialogue.Does the team judge the report and results as positively as you do?Yes, based on what was learned from the results.

What were the reactions among the firefighters when you presented this online dialogue?At the beginning, some were skeptical. But today, with the results in hand and the obvious practical benefit, acceptance is different.Did it take courage for you and your team to use this relatively unknown online dialogue?At the GVZ and in our fire department, there is a tradition of breaking new ground and trying things out. So for us it was like a pilot, an experiment. Honestly: I wanted to take the risk. I wanted to create facts. That succeeded.

Facts and Contact:

GVZ Building Insurance Canton of Zurich6'800 firefighters

Online Dialogue:

7 open questions1635 participants682 opinions and ideas104'488 interactions

Head of Fire Department:

Renato MathysPhone: 044 308 21 11Mail: renato.mathys@gvz.ch

Interview: thk