Samantha was keen to begin her first term at Cranleigh School with full visibility of how the team worked together and any areas that extra needed focus and support.
Samantha was keen to begin her first term at Cranleigh with full visibility of how the team worked together and any areas that needed extra focus and support.
Samantha was also aware of the positive impact that an objective, educated eye can have on the future success of a team.
The whole process was focused on moving forward with the new team together.
Clare conducted Myers Briggs work with the team. Naturally, there was scepticism amongst team members with concerns around reforming of the team.
Samantha comments: “We held an away day in London – Clare was simply brilliant at hosting this away day. She managed to get everyone ‘on board’.
Samantha added: “I was pleased and surprised with how the day progressed, the team progressed from moments of cynicism to a much greater sense of trust in the process and the dynamic.”
The whole day went well and was entertaining and enlightening. The team worked on several trust exercises and there was open dialogue throughout. They worked through team priorities and early impressions of outcomes were very good.
Samantha then invited Clare back to a July SMT meeting. This provided an opportunity for another layer of accountability and objective guidance.
Clare also ran another workshop session with the SMT in August, ahead of the beginning of the school year. During this period, Samantha has introduced Jane into the SMT team as Director of Human Resources. Jane hadn’t worked with Clare before this time, but she noted that the team had warmed to external support and there had been a change of dynamic internally.
Clare supported Jane in working through conflict resolution, as there was currently a difficulty in the department that needed to be overcome.
Jane had an initial call with Clare to discuss this matter. She knew of Clare’s skillset and expertise by reputation, and they went on to exchange emails. Jane was able to explain the difficulties in the department, with the anticipation of expert guidance and support from Clare.
Clare formulated a plan with Jane and provided a way forward for all involved. Clare displayed full awareness of differing personalities within team dynamics, offering exercises, presentations and mediation.
Jane commented: “There was initially some resistance in the team, but we have made great progress and we now have a framework to base next steps on.”
As a result of Clare’s input there is now a greater element of accountability – both for the team and as individuals.
Samantha concluded: “Clare has worked with and supported 12 staff members at Cranleigh School. She has a great combination of being able to forge a team and keep them accountable, whilst also having a nice manner – she is always warm and empathetic.”
It is hoped that Clare will work with the Cranleigh Leadership team once a year on an ongoing basis.
Samantha commented: “Clare will be ‘part of our journey’. Working on an ongoing basis, offering guidance and coaching. Clare’s depth of knowledge, her understanding of teams, the manner in which she communicates and engenders support and trust is brilliant. She is able to put team members at ease.
“Working with Clare has been ideal for getting to know the team – especially during the early days when there was uncertainty as to what we are trying to achieve.
“Clare is very much a partner for us, and we hope that she will continue to work with us for many years to come.”
To find a course for you or to speak to the team about the best approach for your school visit our courses page or call the team on 01785 711593.