Quality Improvement Zone

There are a range of tried and tested practical approaches that can help you to nurture a positive team culture built on strong relationships. This is sometimes described as “psychological safety”.  These methods draw on principles of coaching and facilitation. Links to additional resources are included at the end of this section.

• Establish agreed ways of working (ground rules) with the team. This will help team members feel comfortable to participate. Upholding the agreed ways of working helps build a safe place where trust can develop.
• Increase understanding of different strengths and motivations in the team. Developing a deeper understanding of other people can strengthen relationships and help to minimise negative forms of conflict. Kahler’s 5 Drivers or Myers-Briggs can be a helpful and fun processes to work through with a team. For information on how to access the Myers-Briggs MBTI test, contact your local Organisational Development Team.  
• Create an environment to support dialogue and curiosity. Team members should feel able to offer offer their opinions, challenge, ask questions and be creative without fear of judgement. Liberating Structures and the Facilitation Toolkit provide lots of ideas to help you do this well.
• Use coaching skills. Listening, questioning, constructive feedback and reframing can help teams to explore options, reach consensus and commit to their agreed decisions.

Psychology of Change Framework

A guide for leaders interested in understanding the underlying psychology of change and leveraging its power to impact quality improvement efforts.

Six steps to psychological safety

A helpful guide to key considerations to create psychological safety in a team.

Essential coaching skills

This resource will provide you with an introduction to core coaching skills and top-tips that you will be able to apply to team conversations as well as individual conversations.

Kotter’s 8 steps for leading change

A helpful change framework to help you navigate and lead improvement efforts on complex systems

 7 Step Meeting process

A structured approach for running team meetings that promotes active participation and collaboration of all team members.

Mind Tools

A collection of resources to support creative, collaborative leadership.

Collaboration Tools

A list (and links) to techniques, toolkits and resources focussing on effective collaboration, facilitation, design and engagement.