Strengthening Connections: How University of Bristol’s Team Aligned

A strengths-based workshop fostering collaboration, self-awareness, and actionable insights.

Building Bridges Across Teams Through Strengths

The University of Bristol People Development Team, like many teams in evolving organisations, was seeking a way to strengthen collaboration and alignment. Having experienced structural changes and shifting strategies and limited opportunities to come together as one unit, the team wanted to explore how they could work more effectively as a cohesive group.

To achieve this, leaders introduced a Strengthify Team Workshop, having experienced it for themselves, to help the team reflect on their strengths, build connections, and develop a shared understanding of how to leverage their talents for greater impact. This session created a much-needed space for reflection, discussion, and practical insights, setting the stage for improved teamwork and alignment moving forward.

Navigating Change and Fostering Alignment

The People Development Team faced several pressing challenges:

• Adjusting to new structures and merging teams.
• Addressing misalignment caused by a lack of regular team interaction.
• Supporting collaboration across sub-teams with traditionally separate responsibilities.

Isabel Frazer-Veli noted:

“We wanted to create a space for the team to come together, reflect on their strengths, and build stronger connections for the future.”

A Strengthify Team Workshop

The Strengthify workshop provided a structured and engaging space for the team to reflect on their individual and collective strengths. Combining CliftonStrengths assessments with interactive discussions, the session allowed participants to explore their unique talents while considering their contributions to the broader team dynamic.

Aims of the Workshop:

• Provide a foundation for aligning team strengths with organisational goals.
• Encourage collaboration and connection across sub-teams.
• Equip team members with insights and tools to leverage strengths in daily tasks.

What the Session Covered:

1. Exploring Individual Strengths:
   Participants identified their top strengths and reflected on how these influence their approach to work.

   • “I really recognised myself in my strengths—it felt good to have these traits validated and gain a vocabulary for the ways I like to work.”

2. Team Dynamics and Collaboration:
   Discussions focused on how strengths combine across the team and how to apply them for greater impact.

   • “It was great to start discussions with the team and think about how we can support each other’s strengths.”

3. Practical Reflection and Application:
   The workshop included reflective exercises and facilitated conversations, allowing the team to translate strengths into actionable strategies.

   • “The reflective discussions around our own and each other’s strengths were incredibly valuable. It enabled me to value what I bring that is unique.”

Building Awareness and Connection

The workshop fostered meaningful conversations and provided actionable insights for the team to work better together.

Key Outcomes from the Workshop:
✅ Enhanced Self-Awareness:

• “It was empowering on an individual and team level—helping me recognise what I bring to the team and how to maximise my strengths.”

✅ Improved Team Collaboration:

• “The session prompted conversations using a shared language, making it easier to connect and collaborate across the team.”

✅ Actionable Insights for Growth:

• “The team discussions provided a great opener for thinking about how we support each other and move forward.”

Feedback Highlights

Overall Value of the Workshop:

• 71% of participants rated the workshop as very or extremely valuable.

• “A really insightful and practical day that feels empowering on an individual and team level.”

Understanding Team Strengths:

• All participants agreed the workshop helped them better understand their colleagues’ strengths and how they combine within the team.

• “It was great to see the strengths across the team and think about how we can use them to work more effectively together.”

Reflective and Practical Exercises:

• “The solo reflection and team discussions were balanced well, providing a mix of personal insights and collaborative ideas.”

Embedding Strengths for Long-Term Success

The People Development Team is committed to embedding strengths-based practices into their daily operations. Plans include:

• Organising follow-up sessions to dive deeper into team dynamics.
• Incorporating strengths-based discussions into regular team meetings.
• Using CliftonStrengths insights to guide professional development and task allocation.

Isabel Frazer-Veli shared:
“The workshop was a great starting point. We’re excited to build on this work and ensure that strengths remain central to how we grow and collaborate as a team.”

Empower Your Team with Strengthify

Discover how Strengthify’s Team Workshops can transform your team’s dynamics, motivation, and performance:

1️⃣ Speak to us: Visit our Get in Touch page →
2️⃣ Join one of our Discovery Workshops: See our Events page →
3️⃣ Find out more about our Team Workshops: Learn more here →