He joined the company as a newly graduated economist in the accounting department. The plan was to stay for two years, but the fascination with both the industry and the people working at Jølstad made Jan Willy stay.

“This is a business driven by a focus on quality and respect – for both the work and the employees,” says Jan Willy.

What motivates him is the sense of making a difference:
“A funeral is the most important ritual we have. It gives us the opportunity to honor a person’s passing in a dignified way. I am passionate about ensuring that everyone has a ceremony that reflects their worth,” he explains.

Learning to listen

Through TNG Consulting, Jan Willy completed a leadership development program that changed his approach to leadership.

“The course taught me the difference between what I hear and what I think I hear. It’s about being curious and exploring what lies behind what is said. This has not only helped me communicate better but also to give my employees clearer direction,” he says.

Listening is not only important in interactions with employees – it is also essential for everyone in the organization when meeting the wishes and needs of grieving families. Here, a coaching mindset is particularly valuable.

“We need to distinguish between what the bereaved want and what they actually need in order to carry out the funeral in the best possible way. Families tell us that this helps them process their grief. That’s why we must listen carefully, ask questions, and support them in making the choices that will help them afterwards,” says Jan Willy.

The compass as a guide

In the program, participants define their inner compass. They articulate the values that guide their decisions and what matters most to them. Jan Willy values the importance of becoming more aware.

“Values need to be carefully considered to truly matter. This process takes time, but it brings great rewards. For me, it has been about finding what really provides direction in my work and in life in general,” he explains.

He describes the course experience as entirely positive, despite being conducted digitally during the pandemic.
“The facilitators were competent, curious, and direct when needed. They created a sense of trust that allowed us participants to get a lot out of the discussions,” says Jan Willy.

Awareness and curiosity

For Jan Willy, good leadership is about a combination of awareness and curiosity.

“I have become more confident in my role and clearer in my values. At the same time, I’ve become more open to other perspectives. This balance makes me a better leader,” he says.

This benefits him personally, but also the organization.
“When we as leaders develop ourselves, the company becomes stronger over time. The course has definitely been worth the time, and I recommend it to others who want to get to know themselves better – both as people and as leaders,” he concludes.

This article has been translated from Norwegian to make it available to a wider audience. Quotes and expressions may not be word-for-word, but we have sought to preserve the meaning.

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