Inspiring and thought provoking - will enable me to improve my day-to-day work.
Mental Health Team member

Participative and vibrant discussion whilst adhering to a learning framework. Good time boundaries. Good role play. Learned a lot.
Child Protection Worker

Excellent training style. Alasdair included all group members and was a true role model for 'active listening'. Exercises were non-threatening but challenging which was good
Drugs Project volunteer

Bucking the trend in a downturn – a team approach

Dealing with changes imposed due to economic constraint is difficult. It can put added pressure on individuals and teams as workloads increase and rewards diminish. Added to this may be the frustration of not being able to spend so much time on aspects of the job considered more satisfying – such as face-to-face client contact.

Responding to team difficulties needs skill, but can contribute to a more cohesive and positive environment where initiative and leadership are nurtured within the team. Take care to avoid glib rhetoric, make specific steps to assist the process of genuinely engaging with changes, rather than going through the motions where resentment builds.

It begins with better listening that takes seriously the strong feelings and ideas that will come to the surface, such as fear of the future or loss of key team members. Rarely are these sentiments and suggestions destructive because most people care about their work. This can start the process of unlocking more potential that may have lain dormant in easier times.

The next steps involve fostering leadership behaviour within individuals and actively encouraging initiative and creativity. These contribute towards the team determining its future, rather than being a victim of circumstance when everyone is under pressure.

To discuss how we can support you or your team through facilitation, please contact us. 

Alasdair Cant & Associates help people grow. Alasdair is an experienced facilitator of groups from a wide range of sectors. Facilitation comes from Latin root 'facilare' or to make easy. Working with purpose, good humour and sensitivity we get to the heart of the matter quickly. From here we can address the issues affecting the team, identify and celebrate strengths and move on to a better way of working together. 

 "The quality of the facilitation was excellent and helped us explore potentially emotive topics in a very professional manner."
Team Manager, Westminster.