Through interactive team development sessions, we helped a trust establish a clear team purpose, strengthen relationships, and create a vision for success, leading to improved collaboration, engagement, and alignment.

Background

In July 2024, NHS Midlands and Lancashire’s (NHS ML) Peoples Solutions team was engaged by the trust to support their newly formed team, who were looking to define its purpose, vision for success, and long-term goals. The objective was to foster stronger team connections, establish a clear sense of identity, and create a sustainable action plan for continued development over the coming year.

Action

We designed and delivered two structured team development sessions, each tailored to address the team’s core objectives and ensure meaningful engagement. These sessions were designed to strengthen connections, clarify team purpose, and create actionable steps for success. A range of interactive methodologies was used to ensure inclusivity, engagement, and alignment with the team’s evolving needs.

A key component of the programme was team involvement in shaping the second session’s content, ensuring that the approach remained relevant and directly addressed their priorities.

Developing connections and engagement

• Teams were intentionally mixed on day 1 to encourage interaction and collaboration across sub-teams, strengthening relationships and cross-functional understanding.

• Activities such as “Getting to Know You” bingo and “The Manual of Me” helped team members explore personal values, aspirations, and strengths, creating deeper connections.

• Liberating structures were used to enhance engagement and open discussions, allowing for an inclusive, participatory approach.

Defining team purpose and identity

• The Purpose to Practice framework was used to guide discussions on team goals, values, key stakeholders, and overcoming barriers to effective collaboration.

• Through interactive exercises, team members identified what makes their team unique, focusing on their combined knowledge, skills, networks, and resources.

Vision and practice for team success

• Barriers to success were explored using collaborative exercises, generating practical and actionable solutions.

• The team worked together to define their success criteria and develop a vision that aligns with their long-term impact goals.

Impact

• Stronger team relationships: Participants built deeper connections, trust, and collaboration, making teamwork more seamless and effective.

• Clear team purpose and identity: The team gained a well-defined purpose, shared values, and a sense of direction to guide their work.

• Defined roles and improved collaboration: Greater clarity on individual and team roles helped improve efficiency and align contributions with strategic objectives.

• Practical next steps for success: The team identified challenges and created actionable steps to overcome them, ensuring continuous improvement and sustained momentum.

• Increased engagement and ownership: By actively shaping their team purpose and action plan, participants felt a stronger sense of accountability and commitment to their shared vision.

For more information

For more information and to learn how we can help your organisation, please contact us.