There are many factors involved in creating an environment where people feel comfortable collaborating. Add to this the switching between in person workshops, virtual calls and hybrid ways of working, and there’s potential for feeling out of your depth.
In this talk, Kristy shares her experiences of the different ways of working and practical steps you could take to build a safe collaboration space with your stakeholders and colleagues, irrespective of where you or they are located.
5. www.perform-partners.com
First Things First
https://wheelofnames.com/
Introductions
“A person’s name is to him or her
the sweetest and most important
sound in any language.” – Dale
Carnegie
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4865.How_to_Win_
Friends_and_Influence_People?from_search=true&from_srp
=true&qid=aAXNpwjn26&rank=1
Why?
• Demonstrates respect
• More inviting conversation
• Grabs attention
How?
Repeat it / Ask about it / Write it down
Be aware of
anagrams and
spelling
variations
10. www.perform-partners.com
Change Resistance: 3 Types Of
No
I Won’t
https://www.batimes.com/articles/change-resistance-3-types-of-no/
Christina Lovelock
I Can’t
I’m Not
Allowe
d
Create an opportunity
to add “yet”
Identify & seek a
willingness to help
Listen to understand &
address
Time & energy costs
12. www.perform-partners.com
Open & Inclusive
Invite contributions
from all
Aim to use “We” &
“Our”
Within the
Team
Communicatin
g about the
Team
Start
question with
a name
We are
all human
Sense of
belonging
https://www.thoughtco.com/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-
4582571
Ask open
questions
Kristy Dean, Head of People & Culture at Perform Partners for almost 2 months
Spent most of my career so far as a BA delivering digital experiences. Realised that bringing people together in safe collaboration spaces is my passion so I now focus on this.
Introductions - Everyone’s favourite part of the project. Use names from email address and include expectation in your agenda of stating preferred name Rajwant or Raj / David or Dave
Try not to worry about mis pronouncing, they will appreciate the effort and advise if needed
Respect = Boosting chances of people accepting and connecting with you
More inviting = People are more likely to open up
Attention = Direct a question, say their name first - If they’re distracted (and they hear their name) you draw them back in
Beware of anagrams – Kristy / Kirsty and spelling variations Chloe and Cloë (ALT + 0235)
Irrespective of when you’re brought in, these items are important
Encourage cameras where you can and be respectful of people’s choices
Links back to agenda where folks don’t know if there’s a break coming up
Having an agreed set of goals encourages the team to travel in the same direction – documented to refer back to and share when new people join
Social contract – “how we work together”
Various reasons to work from home and be cognisant of our neurodiverse colleagues
Agenda – build in breaks
Activities – plan a variety to invite contributions from everyone. Breakout rooms, virtual whiteboards are particularly useful for balancing colleagues who have high and low Impulse Control
Start question with someone’s name
Chapter 8 is all about hybrid working – think “Remote First” by asking questions to those participants before the folks together in a room
Slide is credited to the amazing Christina Lovelock and her BA Times article published on 17th March 2021 called Change Resistance: 3 Types Of No
Can’t = Helpful No. May reveal incorrect assumptions / lack of knowledge or resources
Not allowed = Permission Related No. Real or perceived limitations? Investigate & challenge
Won’t = Trickiest No. Underpinned by an unwillingness to help. Reaction to a lack of control
Instead of “I” or “My Team”
Who, What, Where, When, Why & How = Open
Avoid closed or leading questions
Three Letter Acronyms & Reference Points have the potential for excluding people
Seek to document TLAs and share the link
Team Language and common understanding can bring people together