The municipality is a dynamic and complex system with much interaction between different links and levels. As a result, preconceived plans sometimes turn out differently than planned. Commissioned by the Municipality of Amsterdam we have set up the learning process Brilliantly Failing and started to work with two departments. The goal of the program was to emphasize the core value "we learn from mistakes" and thus stimulate transparency and the ability to learn within the organization.. For this purpose, first of all a safe environment was created in which everyone felt free to discuss ideas and also failed ideas with each other. The participants were challenged to reflect on their own work and projects, to look for important lessons and then sharing them. Another important part of the program was an environmental check to see if there is room within the organization for making,, sharing and learning from mistakes.

Fixed components of the program were inspirational lectures, dialogue sessions in which experiences and learning moments were shared, the pitching of own learning moments and other exercises tailored to common themes and problems within the department.