The Challenge

Norwich Union recognised that their relationships with the various building societies that resold the company’s products were critical to achieving success. However, relationships varied across the different regions, with some isolated examples of misunderstanding and a lack of trust, which was inhibiting progress. They also felt that a greater sharing of best practice and a better understanding of each others’ roles could lead to less competition between building societies and more collaboration, with benefits all round.

The Solution

We created and delivered a two day outdoor experience that involved a series of very different exercises. Some were designed to get the adrenalin pumping in order to encourage a supportive environment. Some gave participants the challenge of managing others and using resources effectively in a very limited time frame in order to encourage courageous conversations. Others tested their creative powers in order to encourage collaboration. They then had to survive in the outdoors overnight, with the help of survival experts, in order to build trust and respect. All of these exercises required close cooperation, trust and effective communication. Everything was closely supervised and facilitated, with a rigorous four hour review and action planning session at the end to ensure that learning outcomes were captured and new behaviours were committed to.

The Result

Barriers were broken down, communication became more honest and open, mutual understanding and respect developed, and much closer relationships were forged, not just between Norwich Union and their clients, but between the competing building societies. Everyone became far more eager to go back and work together to achieve common goals. Those attending also felt more appreciated and many described it as a life changing experience that money simply could not buy.

The improved relationships and enhanced morale has created a marked and sustained improvement in productivity. We now work with Norwich Union on a regular basis.