High performing teams
How to raise the bar in challenging times
I have had a relationship with Sharpstone Skinner for many years both as a team member and team leader. Working with them is always an energising experience that helps me regroup and re focus.
At the British Red Cross as Head of Direct Marketing I had built a strong, committed team who were highly skilled and very successful. I knew that if I took my eye off their development it could be a very different story. As our market place became more challenging we didn’t know how our donations would be affected, but our ambitions remained high, so I decided to do some work with the team to ensure they would be ready to face whatever came their way and be able to achieve our aspirations.
Sharpstone Skinner recommended that we start with my senior management team so we could all line up behind our vision and strategy and ensure that were ready to lead the rest of the department to raise their game. The session was excellent. I knew I had a talented bunch and the day confirmed that and gave us a chance to download some of the pressure we had been under, share our concerns then pull together and re focus. The day was facilitated with a mixture of rigour, challenge, support and humour which gave us several break throughs.
We then planned a whole department day together. Working in partnership is one of the main experiences of working with Sharpstone Skinner, they listen, understand and share their expertise generously with their clients. High performing teams need attention too so success is maintained and built upon.
At Battersea Dogs & Cats Home I took over the fundraising team as Director of Fundraising. The Home has done very little proactive fundraising in the past, so the team has huge potential, which is both exciting and a little daunting at the same time. I worked with Sharpstone Skinner to ensure we had a shared purpose, everyone knew what each other’s roles were in achieving our aims and we agreed channels of communication and decision making. The day was both motivating and difficult at times, with excitement about what we can achieve and worries about the changes needed. The design of the day allowed for that and the opportunity for everyone to realistically identify the best ways to pull together to tackle the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. One of my team commented that it was the best facilitation they had experienced and everyone felt invigorated and more of team by the end of the day.
I like having them there for support, advice and a sounding board whatever type of team I have and I highly recommend them.