“The day was really well facilitated at a pace which got the points across and kept the energy levels high. The content was insightful and will be useful for me personally and the wider team.”
The Lancaster University Finance Leadership team recently participated in a team workshop to introduce and explore strengths-based development. This engaging session aimed to enhance individual and collective success, productivity, and happiness at work through applied positive psychology. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the benefits of a strengths-based approach and learned how to leverage their personal strengths for the betterment of the team.
Why the workshop was valuable:
- Self-Assessment and Team Dynamics: The workshop emphasised the importance of self-assessment and understanding team dynamics. One attendee noted, “It was important for the team and myself to self-assess and appreciate each of our strengths and how these complement each other.”
- Discovery of Unrecognised Strengths: Participants discovered key strengths they were previously unaware of, which is crucial for personal and professional growth. “Helped understand key strengths some of which the individual is not always conscious about possessing or identifies as being one of their key strengths,” shared a team member.
- Positive Team Atmosphere: The workshop fostered a positive atmosphere and encouraged learning about colleagues. “I learned new information about those in the room that weren't in my direct team and found the positive approach to be very refreshing,” commented another attendee. Helen Edge, Income Operations Manager, added, “It confirms that we all have different strengths depending on role, staffing, experience and that it's okay to be quite different from others.”
- Engaging and Fun Experience: Sarah Randall-Paley (MBE, BA, FCA), Director of Finance, praised the session, saying, “Well presented guided session to help us maximise the benefit from the analysis provided and it was fun!”
A Standout Endorsement
Sarah Randall-Paley (MBE, BA, FCA), Director of Finance, shared,
“A thought-provoking and fun session that helped team members bond even more strongly.”
This powerful feedback highlights not only the success of the workshop but also the importance of creating a collaborative and enjoyable team environment.
Why a Strengths-Based Approach Matters:
- Adapting to Change: A strengths-based approach is particularly valuable during times of change. Sarah Randall-Paley highlighted, “This could help us find the most effective way to achieve best results in a period of change.”
- Effective and Constructive Work: Recognising strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses is a much more effective and constructive way of working. “Recognising strengths rather than focusing on weaknesses is a much more effective and constructive way of working,” said one participant.
- Enhanced Teamwork: Understanding and utilising individual differences can significantly improve teamwork. “It will help utilise individual strengths and help understand why one person may do things differently to another.”
A Key Takeaway:
- Focus on Strengths: “Focusing on strengths rather than what we aren't as good at is definitely something I will take away,” remarked a team member.
General Feedback:
- “The day was really well facilitated at a pace which got the points across and kept the energy levels high. The content was insightful and will be useful for me personally and the wider team.”
- “Well presented, very interesting and informative session and one I would definitely recommend to others.”
- “An interesting, innovative approach to understanding your own strengths and those of the people you work with.”
Interested in finding out more about team workshops and how we can support your team? Contact us.