In these tough economic times the phrase 'On the beach' has a connotation of somewhere where no one wants to be. However when you are invited once more to support an innovative, people focused business with a real ambition to make a difference to the world in which we live, how could you refuse? Especially as they are now realising the benefits from their rally call a couple of years ago, to 'B the Change' - whilst also getting to work on a sunny Mediterranean beach!

Hard at work on a sunny Mediterranean beach

 Three years ago, at the invitation of the freshly appointed European Sales Director, we were asked to help the newly formed Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to look at them-selves and recognise where they were and what they needed to do to model their intent to drive change through their business. It is fair to say that at this stage we and the senior team involved would not completely understand the impact of the journey which they were about to embark on, but this early stage is mostly about being in a good state of mind, and a readiness for whatever lies ahead. Our brief was to challenge the status quo, and encourage the group that they could raise the standard, if they were willing to pull together and be more cohesive as a team. 

 It is true to say that none of us knew what lay ahead or what would be required or indeed how successful we would be.  At that time, at the dawn of their transformation, we were asking all to prepare for an unknown journey.  A range of operating styles was seen and yes some were more productive that others.  But it is has always been our primary philosophy to optimise what we start with, increase energy and discipline and to engender the belief that anything is possible.

Now that the (SLT) were on board, the message, needed to be taken to the wider team - that they too could be catalysts and 'B the change'. Elemental were present at this meeting to ensure that the teams were fired up, and could see that actually they were all in this together, not as separate segments but as one European Sales force.

 With all expeditions it is vital to take comfort breaks to refuel and check progress. - And with this in mind we returned to help welcome new members and reinforce discipline, so that the drive and energy that had been initiated was maintained. Vitally we also reflected on what progress had been achieved.

 The next year took us all into uncertainty, during the globally recognised economic down turn, and under these conditions it is tempting to revert to old ways and loose nerve.  We collectively were aware of this and the next conference was titled, ‘Staying the Course’. Other than helping to ensure a smooth flowing event our involvement was to maintain company focus and illustrate the importance of taking responsibility; doing what we say we will do, and despite the far tougher economic climate, that it is still possible and indeed desirable to make working environments fun and rewarding

 This year started with a review meeting with the Senior Leadership Team.  There was a real feeling that this team had matured and was now capitalising on their past efforts. When new changes were announced they were embraced despite foreseen difficulties.  What a difference!  This team really looked forward to overcoming these challenges and has been invigorated by the possibility of creating new and even better solutions.

Fast forward to our journey to Spain for this years conference ‘C - the Change’.  This collective change in attitude and therefore behaviour can be seen on the balance sheet also.  Profits are up; share of the market has increased as well as their customer base. But despite these improvements we are striving with them towards greater levels of efficiency and who better to look at than a Formula One Pit-crew?  Here we are on the beach with our devised learning activity, ‘F1 Pit Crew Simulator.’   This exercise really tests individuals within a team and also the teams themselves.  As always it is our challenge to make learning relevant, memorable, fun, and engaging as possible.

 We thoroughly enjoy working with clients who view our involvement and support as a partnership where collaboration and innovation works hand in hand. In the words of their President   ‘Successful innovation requires extensive collaboration with the external world, building on the excellent capabilities we have.’