Sometimes teams require a new method of thinking to allow them to function more effectively. Team coaching allows a team to logically explore areas where they are demonstrating dysfunctional thinking and performance. Perhaps this is due to a history of working in a specific way over a prolonged time. Occasionally it may be due to poor leadership or reorganisation. Whatever the reason, teams can benefit from an external coach encouraging the team to think 'outside the box' in order to function differently in order to achieve agreed outcomes.
Coaching by its very nature requires specific goals and actions to be determined within a specified timescale in order for progress to be monitored.
Our consultants have worked with a number of teams to improve performance and motivation.
Example 1:
A social care organisation needed to implement a new strategy of planning their care process based on a recent legislative change. This approach required teams to challenge the current culture of thinking in order to develop policy changes and more creative strategic thinking to benefit the clients. Following discussions with the senior management team, we provided a training course which was cascaded through all the teams in the organisation so everyone was aware of the new method of action planning, the need to delegate responsibilities to all team members so everyone shared ownership along with the need to regularly review outcomes and set goals. The model was initially applied to client care to conform with the legal requirements but, as the teams became familiar with the process, the model was applied to other areas of their work - for example, supervision, mentoring, training. Follow up sessions were organised to review progress so that any specific needs could be identified and addressed early in the process.
Result: the organisation gained excellent feedback at their inspection and team members all feel involved and responsible for active planning. The systems allow an easy method of auditing and tracking progress.
Example 2 :
A team within an organisation had experienced some conflict and a change of manager. This had resulted in disruption and lack of cohesive direction. Some team members were considering resigning from the team due to the negative feelings. We were asked to facilitate a session to enable the team to explore the situation, agree future needs and goals and action plan appropriately so they could begin to move forward with trust and improved motivation.
Result: the team aired their concerns and their thinking was gently but firmly challenged by the coach. They collectively identified their purpose and focus and set themselves agreed boundaries together with communication strategies to prevent the negative feelings from escalating in the future.
To discuss your organisation's needs please call Marion on 01228 409092 or email us at: Esk Consulting
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