Aims and Objectives of the Workshop
The purpose of this workshop was to build on and deepen the learning from Workshop 1, which focused on understanding self and others within Tuschemy North. Workshop 2 explored teamwork and leadership characteristics through experiential learning activities that encouraged participation, reflection, discussion, and affirmation.
Description of the Workshop
The session opened with a Post-it activity where participants identified the characteristics they believe make an effective team. This activity formed the foundation for the first half of the workshop.
Two additional personality and self-awareness activities supported this learning:
- Puzzle Building Competition:
Teams were challenged to complete a puzzle using the Toyota Kata process, requiring them to repeatedly revisit the end goal and adjust their strategy.
- Team Traits Assessment:
Participants examined a list of teamwork traits and selected those most relevant to them and their team.
Exploring Leadership
The second part of the workshop focused on both self-leadership and team leadership. New teams were created, and two experiential activities were used to reinforce teamwork attitudes, skills, and values, while exploring leadership in action.
- Tallest Tower Competition:
This required teams to collaborate effectively. Success depended on bonding as a team, procuring the right materials, agreeing on a construction approach, and consistently monitoring progress.
- Leadership Assessment:
Participants explored their own self-leadership traits and reflected on the role they play in leading and supporting their team.
Participants shared their insights in several structured formats, enabling the team to deepen their understanding of one another, appreciate individual strengths, and strengthen overall team connection.
A closing team activity encouraged staff to affirm their role within the Tuschemy North team and reflect on their collective growth.
Analysis of the Data Collected
As a collective, the Tuschemy North team demonstrated strong teamwork characteristics, including:
- Clear goals
- A solid plan of action
- Well-defined roles and responsibilities
- Discipline
- Effective communication
- Ongoing monitoring of progress
Their self-leadership traits were also notable. Staff demonstrated accountability, strong communication skills, decisiveness, motivation, and wisdom.
Outcomes of the Workshop
This two-day workshop culminated in the end-of-year function. During their speeches, Mike Carr (CEO) and Helgaard Steenkamp (Branch Manager, Tuschemy North) highlighted the successful growth of the company, made possible through personal wellbeing, thriving teams, strong self-leadership, and a clear vision from management.
Key messages included:
- “The growth of the company depends on the growth of everyone’s skills and abilities, creating a supportive team and an environment where the wellbeing of all is prioritised.”
- “A winning team needs to find new markets, secure sales, and ensure stock is available, correctly administered, and delivered.”
Next Steps
The next workshop in the Development and Empowerment Series will focus on Communication, Branding, and Creating a Positive Environment
