Client: Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND)
Challenge: This globally dispersed team of scientists and project managers have never all been able to connect and collaborate in person, making it challenging to work together on cross-cutting tasks outside of each team members’ specific expertise.
Outcome: The Hummingly ‘workshop in a box’ created a more cohesive, supportive team that is open to proactive collaboration.
For over two decades, FIND has been at the forefront of ensuring that anyone in need of a diagnostic test has access to accurate, affordable, and easy-to-use options. This mission is particularly important for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which disproportionately affect low-income communities. Helen, who leads FIND's NTD program, oversees a team of specialists spread across different continents, including Europe, Africa, and South America.
Being a remote team has made it hard to build the personal connections that make collaboration easier. Despite their individual expertise, Helen noticed a gap in harnessing this expertise to pick up cross-cutting activities or tasks. She was eager to see her team members develop a more interconnected working environment.
Like many in the global health sector, Helen also describes her team as having been “stretched beyond stretched. Given the last few years, our team was feeling worn out and our nerves were considerably frayed.
In search of a solution, Helen turned to Hummingly. Hummingly’s Optimizing Team Cohesion & Wellbeing 'workshop in a box' was a turning point. "My team, which includes scientists and project managers, thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. They particularly appreciated developing individual plans and the interactive nature of the sessions," Helen shared. The workshop's impact was immediate and profound. Team members not only enjoyed the activities but also expressed a desire to continue working with the Doing Well cards to sustain them in their work and further integrate what they learned.
Helen was especially pleased with the sense of camaraderie and willingness to support each other that emerged from the workshop. "It was a very affirmative kind of exercise, but also eye opening for everyone. By the time we finished the workshop, my teammates were offering to take on any extra work. For me it was just amazing that before we were even leaving, people stepped up and offered to contribute more to the team.”
The practical exercises during the workshop played an important role in breaking down barriers and fostering mutual respect and understanding. This newfound openness and willingness to help have continued to benefit the team. Since the workshop, team members have continued to volunteer to lead different projects, evenly spreading the workload.
And for a busy leader like Helen, the ‘workshop in a box’ was a lifesaver. “It was particularly useful because our plates are full and we didn't really have any time or anyone to sit down and organize a workshop for us. So it was nice that it came nicely packaged for us. We were able to just participate without anyone feeling like they are the facilitator.”
Looking ahead, Helen is eager for her team to continue through the six follow-on team activities that will further their learning and keep them connected and has plans to recommend Hummingly's services to other health programs within FIND. She believes that the positive changes in her team can serve as a model for other groups within the organization and beyond.
