The secret to effective teamwork is interdependence. It’s the ability of team members to stand strongly as individuals, while simultaneously producing ideas, solutions and products as a collective unit.

For a team to work in entirety, every part must function individually. Understanding every member’s strengths, weaknesses, aspirations and motivations is essential for bringing together a seamlessly operating division.

Designing a number of team challenges and events around Patrick Lencioni’s model of the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, our programme concentrates on; Trust, Conflict, Commitment, Accountability and Results. Maximising both individual and group performance, we facilitate the opportunity for self-insight and team awareness through a series of indoor and outdoor challenges, available to groups in sizes from 4 – 120+.

We have also designed a selection of industry-specific events, such as;

• Production & Logistics
• Construction & Engineering
• Financial Management
• Innovation
• Sports Management and Facilitation
• Retail and Hospitality

The Programme: Formula Innovation Experience

To us, the team at Formula 1 represent the ideal in good teamwork. Constantly working within a high-pressure environment, the team provides efficient, seamless transitions, where speed is an uncompromised priority. In an ever-changing regulatory framework, the group must learn to adapt to the unfamiliar instantaneously, confidently completing tasks where stakes are high and in some cases, lives are at risk.

Since becoming involved with the UK Technology Strategy Board, we at Akenham have been looking to improve teams’ effectiveness in managing innovation and progression. We aim to build confidence in adapting to new technology and enhancing communication skills, especially in high pressure situations, to the Formula 1 standard.

“At last, an innovative and highly focused approach to management and team development”

Our method is relatively simple.

• We have designed several very real simulations that test your teams skills and confidence in managing issues at speed when under pressure
• We challenge teams to pit-stop a real Formula 1 car, testing their abilities to quickly assign roles, learn new skills and continually assess and improve their method of working
• We confront your team with situations that will confront their decision-making abilities – enforcing scenarios that initiate consequences for both the organisation of the team and the wellbeing of those you are trying to support
• We look at how teams adapt to new technologies, and how they balance breakthrough innovation with a pursuit for continuous improvement
• Finally, we help your team members learn how to process information at speed, and utilise that information to make rational decisions that they are willing to incorporate.

“The challenge mirrored an ongoing issue at my work, I’m going back to resolve it NOW!”

Case Study: RHBT Teamwork Training

The brief: In 2012, Akenham were asked to support the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital’s FT Shine award project, which looked to improve Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory procedures. Due to the nature of the environment, with continuous change of regulations, technologies and innovation, communication and excellent teamwork skills are crucial to effective work and patient care. We were asked to work alongside 60 Catheterisation Laboratory staff to develop such skills.

The event: We began by discussing the clear parallels between Formula 1 pit crews and the Cath Lab teams. In terms of urgency of processes and amount of intricate details, they’re a perfect match.

We decided to create an ‘F1 Pit Stop’ scenario as a vehicle for development. Each team faced complex decisions to be made under a time restriction, and were forced to adapt their behaviours in light of unexpected changes while working together to continuously improve production. Throughout, the teams must consider safety and manage performance – all skills that are regularly depended upon in laboratories.

The results: Averaging between 4.75 and 4.9 out of 5 on enjoyability, usefulness, and confidence in its effectiveness, 100% of the participants agreed that the event should be run again. Comments included reference to the improved morale, the dramatic improvement to communication, and the “useful, open and frank discussion” about how to best identify weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

“I can see the change in my people, and a renewed confidence. Thank you!”

We received high praise from the teams, who reported their improved communication skills under pressure, and detailed feeling confident in transferring what they had learnt back to the lab.

“This training has had a very positive impact on team morale and has broadened people’s understanding of effective team work and communication. The lessons learned will enable surgery teams to work more effectively together, which can only have a positive impact on patient safety.” – J Bishop, Q&S Lead, Harefield Hospital