Fresh Air Thinking: Case Study 2
Gateshead CAB Team Development Event
Managing the transition to CLAC service provision and working with partner organisations.
Event Report – by Peter Braidwood – Fresh Air Thinking
The development event, which was organised and delivered by Fresh Air Thinking, took place at Ridley Hall, near Haydon Bridge, Northumbria on 10th October 2007. The day was blessed with dry and sunny weather conditions which allowed for a series of outdoor learning activities to be undertaken in the grounds of the hall. 42 participants were divided into 6 teams. Each team was guided by a skilled development trainer through the activities and related discussions and reviews.
The event was concluded with a gathering of the teams and a short presentation from a representative of each team. The presentations were based upon individual’s experiences of the day, their thoughts, ideas and opinions about the good work that has been undertaken recently. The presentation was also an opportunity to look forward positively to the new challenges ahead such as the transition to CLAC service provision and working with partner organisations. The theme of the event and the subsequent review was represented by a flow of a river – which starts small and slow – and gradually gains momentum and changes direction as obstacles are overcome. The river eventually joins up with other tributaries and shares a common direction on the continuing journey to the sea.
What the participants thought and commented on:
Overall, a tremendous atmosphere was created during the day and it was evident that people were extremely positive about attending the event and the chance to take time out to reflect upon the changes ahead. The activities were selected to replicate the need of a team and an organisation to communicate, listen, share ideas, provide trust and support and to enjoy the learning experience. These core values and subsequent learning points are clearly transferable back to the workplace and participants were encouraged to adopt and practice the positive outcomes on return to the workplace. A large number of comments (on post it notes) were made during the final presentations and were based around the common themes of the need (for a developing and changing organisation) to communicate, share ideas, provide trust and support. A selection of these comments included the following:
Communication
‘If we’re going to change direction (as a river does) we will need good communication.’
(For good communication) ‘We will need bulletins and joint meetings of staff.’
(Communication) – ‘Helped by getting to know other colleagues.’
(During the activities) ‘We listened to other team members and everyone was involved.’
‘We had good leadership during the activities, with clear instructions, listened and helped when needed.’
‘Good communication enabled us to succeed.’
Sharing ideas
‘Matched people’s characteristics to the aspects of the challenge.’
‘We tested our ideas to see if they worked – and made changes when they didn’t work.’
‘Managed to get to know other people and to develop a good rapport.’
‘(We) used the opportunity to talk to each other and evoice our opinions.’
‘(We) challenged negative behaviours so we could move forwards rather than backwards.’
‘(We) need a clear direction (to be) a successful advice organisation.’
(Providing) Trust and Support
‘Challenged ourselves and succeeded – didn’t give up!’
‘(We) recognised the strengths of individual team members.’
‘We value time and face to face contact with clients – really important and don’t want to loose.’
‘(We) look forward to good working relationships with other parts of our organisation.’
‘(We) need to blend more and trust the LSC and GLC.’
‘I never thought we’d do it – BUT WE DID.’
What the Fresh Air Thinking staff thought and commented on:
The six members of the team were unanimous in confirming that they felt that the day was a great success. The team were particularly impressed by people’s passion and commitment, not only to the event itself, but to the whole CAB organisation. Obviously there are concerns about changing times ahead, but the team honestly feel that if the spirit and enthusiasm captured during the event can be transferred to the new challenges – by adopting good communication practice, sharing ideas, providing support and creating trust – then changes will be easily managed. Fresh Air Thinking wishes Gateshead CAB and partner organisations every success with future challenges.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The development event was a unique event for the CAB organisation - as it provided an opportunity for people to take time out from a hectic workload, meet others and generally prepare for challenging times and change in the future. What was evident was a tremendous sense of loyalty and commitment to the CAB. However, evidence from the presentations indicated that for people to accept changes ahead they will need to be guided and led carefully by senior staff (change agents). It is therefore a recommendation from Fresh Air Thinking, as impartial observers, that the ‘change agents’ should receive appropriate guidance, support and training (if necessary) to allow them to manage the change process for themselves and others effectively.
