We asked Jigsaw to run a two-day team-building session for the senior managers responsible for delivering the non-academic support services at Keble. This involved a team of 14 who manage a total of 86 staff in areas as diverse as housekeeping and accounts, property maintenance and fundraising, IT and gardens, security and kitchens. The total turnover for which they are responsible is in excess of £5,000,000 p.a.
We chose Jigsaw because we felt that their approach was particularly suited to this diverse group of individuals, and also because of the passion that Michelle and Keith clearly bring to their work. What we could not have anticipated was the sheer fun of the two days of training and the huge boost to the commitment, enthusiasm, pride in the College, respect for colleagues and embracing of a common vision that resulted. The profiling work was never threatening, although we all learned a great deal about our own and our colleagues’ personalities. The coaching in communication was never tedious, although certain important messages came through loud and clear – messages that, if handled differently, might have switched off some participants and been counter-productive. The highly creative exercises challenged and tested us and drove home very valuable lessons without ever risking melt-down.
In all, it was a hugely positive experience and one that I am very happy to recommend to any senior manager who believes more could be achieved by his or her team if only their energies were better directed.
Roger Boden
Keble College
Oxford University
We chose Jigsaw because we felt that their approach was particularly suited to this diverse group of individuals, and also because of the passion that Michelle and Keith clearly bring to their work. What we could not have anticipated was the sheer fun of the two days of training and the huge boost to the commitment, enthusiasm, pride in the College, respect for colleagues and embracing of a common vision that resulted. The profiling work was never threatening, although we all learned a great deal about our own and our colleagues’ personalities. The coaching in communication was never tedious, although certain important messages came through loud and clear – messages that, if handled differently, might have switched off some participants and been counter-productive. The highly creative exercises challenged and tested us and drove home very valuable lessons without ever risking melt-down.
In all, it was a hugely positive experience and one that I am very happy to recommend to any senior manager who believes more could be achieved by his or her team if only their energies were better directed.
Roger Boden
Keble College
Oxford University
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