Inspire your team! Give them space to talk

Last week, we engaged with a client in an inspiration workshop. The company is starting a digitalisation and automation transformation in a highly conservative environment. Before we start with the design of the concrete steps we wanted to inspire the team for the journey ahead. The objective was to create excitement for a better future and get them involved from the very start.

The end result was great. The senior leadership members expressed that the entire team was extremely open and engaged during the two days - something they have rarely seen before. The workshop indeed created a stepping stone for change where we will be able to achieve significant improvements to the way the team is operating today. How did we do that?

During the workshop we were focusing on four elements that made this event successful:

1. We created a lot of space where the people were encouraged to share their stories, their ideas and also their concerns; the warm and welcome physical space did help a lot as well
2. At the start we talked a lot about all the great stuff that is already happening today; the teams mentioned areas where they already started with digitising their processes; and the team also expressed the excellent team work they current have - definitely something to keep for the future
3. Based on all the inspirations, we brainstormed what the ideal future for the service delivery could look like; we developed a guiding imagination of the future state - a Leitbild
4. Lastly, we shared ideas how we can get started; with the definition of the first steps, we can make these imaginations and wishes concrete.

For sure, the teams also expressed a number of worries: will we get enough resources; how can I deal with the additional workload; after the automation, will I still have my job; how will this initiative benefit my own career? A lot of great questions which are important to address. Therefore it is vital that these concerns are expressed early in the project. Only thanks to the openness and safety the team felt during the workshop, these topics could surface.

And as you can see, the entire event was embedded in a cosy, relaxing place; away from the regular work environment. Plus with excellent food that kept the energy high.

Start to inspire your team!