University of Edinburgh
Team Away Day
Project Overview
Find out how we helped Edinburgh University’s Finance Department put on a fun, interactive and collaborative activity for their whole team to promote a positive approach to new challenges and the opportunities that change can bring.
As part of their Summer 2019 Away Day, the Edinburgh University Finance Department Senior Management team were looking for a fun, interactive and collaborative activity to encourage flexible approaches to new experiences and sensitise staff to new ways of working.
The Challenge
The team at Edinburgh University needed to find a way to communicate their new messaging around creating a “supportive learning environment” to a team of over 200 people.
A key factor to take into account was the large number of attendees – 220 – in one location. In this respect the site visit was of great importance and, combined with the excellent communications within the whole Maximillion team, which would play a huge part in the success of this project.
On top of that, Director of Finance Lee and his team wanted a creative way to communicate the notion of creating a “supportive learning environment”.
Our Solution
Key to delivering on the client’s outcomes was the pre-event engagement and communication with both the organising team to fully understand their needs and outcomes from this event.
During the pre-event discussions the notion of creating a “supportive learning environment” resonated with Director of Finance Lee and his team, and the activity of learning circus skills was seen to be a perfect metaphor for illustrating how important attitude and approach is to achieving a successful outcome when facing new challenges.
The Maximillion team was able to go into the day with a well-defined plan on how to manage the situation.
One important aspect of the event was the ratio of trained staff to participants on the day. Having the right amount of facilitators for attendees to be successful (learn a new circus skill), and yet have the freedom to coach their colleagues to improve performance, without being in a too restrictive environment over managed by the Maximillion team
Another key factor was to manage expectations. Prior to the start of the event Lead Facilitator David Harrison introduced himself to delegates and personally interacted with them. As the details of this interaction (learning circus skills) were kept a surprise, Maximillion understood the need for people to know they were in safe hands. The twenty years experience of delivering this type of activity would mean people would have an enjoyable learning experience with well-defined outcomes.
The way the event was structured – with people having an enjoyable learning experience, and then coaching each other to improve skills within their teams in readiness for a friendly competition – meant there was a focus to the learning the skills, and accordingly people’s attention was maintained throughout.
Above all though, it was the whole-hearted efforts of all in ‘Team Finance’ with all the senior management team leading the way by immersing themselves in the activity that made the day a memorable learning experience.
Staff-to-Participant Ratio
A crucial aspect of the event’s success was maintaining an optimal ratio of trained staff to participants.
Maximillion ensured there were sufficient facilitators to guide attendees in learning new circus skills while also providing ample space for participants to coach and support their colleagues. This balance fostered a supportive environment without feeling overly restrictive or micromanaged.
Managing Expectations
Prior to the event, Lead Facilitator David Harrison introduced himself to delegates, creating a personal connection and building trust.
By keeping the specific activities a surprise, Maximillion understood the importance of reassuring participants that they were in capable hands. David’s extensive experience in delivering this type of event ensured a positive and enriching learning experience with well-defined outcomes.
Event Structure
The event’s structure was designed to promote learning and collaboration.
Participants enjoyed a hands-on experience of learning new circus skills, followed by opportunities to coach and support their team members. This approach not only enhanced skill development but also fostered a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
Team’s Finance Engagement
The most significant factor contributing to the event’s success was the enthusiastic participation of all members of Team Finance.
The senior management team’s active involvement in the activities set a positive example and created a supportive atmosphere. Their wholehearted commitment made the day a truly memorable learning experience.
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