BACKGROUND

Our client, a major operator in the civil engineering sector, has teams operating around the world on major civil engineering contracts.

Nature of client's problem

The client's team was based in London but most of its members were located away from London on specific contracts. The members of the team operated for long periods with little, or no, contact with all the other members of the team. As a result there was no common purpose or commitment to team working. The Team had come together to identify priorities and agree actions but they wished to foster greater co-operation and support between the group members.

Obsidian's experience in this problem area?

Team Effectiveness is a specialism of Obsidian Consulting. We have worked with many teams in different organisations at all levels.

Objectives of product/service offered by Obsidian

Obsidian was asked to run an event for the team which would allow the team members to get together to: celebrate the successes they have had get to know other team members better recognise the strengths and experience that each team member brings to the group. create an action plan to bring the knowledge and skills in the team together in order to improve the bids for new contracts.

Why did the client choose Obsidian?

Quote: "I wanted someone with the gravitas and experience to handle a difficult assignment with an experienced team of big players."

How the assignment was carried out

Since this team were widely dispersed the proposal was to run a residential workshop over a two-day period. The workshop involved a considerable amount of individual participation but we provided a structure and input to stimulate constructive thinking. This structure included the following elements:

• the business issues facing the group
• the nature of teams and team working
• individuals and motivation
• pooling knowledge creating an action plan

Benefits for the client

• The creation of a common purpose for the team that created the responsibility on the part of team members for team objectives.
• A shared appreciation of the contribution that each member makes to the team.
• An action plan that addressed their issues and developed the capability of the team.