Recently, Cultural Impact and KL Shakespeare Players had the privilege of conducting an inspiring Exchange Theatre training program with a Malaysian Finance Team, designed to enhance communication, collaboration, and work-life balance. This dynamic workshop encouraged participants to speak up, embrace transformation, and prepare for future challenges, all while fostering a fun and memorable team environment.
At the core of our program was the understanding that a supportive culture is essential for driving individual and organisational success. Participants engaged in interactive theatre games, bringing energy and connection to the experience. They recognized the challenges of maintaining empathy and positivity when confronting real work issues, but by the end of the session, they expressed how much they had learned about supporting one another in improving work-life balance.
Transformational Scenarios
The workshop featured two key scenarios: “Disconnection” and “Parameterisation.”
In the Disconnection scenario, participants identified challenges such as miscommunication and unmet expectations leading to a lack of empathy. Together, they proposed actionable solutions, including:
- Organizing team-building activities to enhance alignment and foster open communication.
- Encouraging team leader Maya to appreciate team efforts before addressing challenges in meetings.
- Implementing one-on-one check-ins to uncover issues early on.
In the Parameterisation scenario, participants addressed boundary-setting challenges affecting team dynamics. They collaborated to suggest that teams should:
- Invest time in understanding each other’s perspectives and work styles.
- Encourage regular catch-ups to ensure everyone is aware of each other’s workloads and challenges.
- Maintain open lines of communication with management to effectively manage workloads.
Engaging in Meaningful Discussions
Moving forward into the day, the program also included breakout group discussions where participants offered valuable insights on improving communication, leadership accountability, and team dynamics. They recognized that fostering an environment of transparency and trust was key to effective problem-solving and workload management.
Another highlight of the training was the use of the “Perception, Awareness, Compassion and Empathy (PACE) model. This reflective framework enabled team members to pause and consider how they had handled past challenges, enhancing their ability to empathise with colleagues. Using Theatre Images, participants visualised their discussions and the insights gained.
The PACE model not only encourages empathy but also helps teams explore more effective options for managing similar situations in the future. By the end of the training, participants articulated their individual and team commitments to creating a high-performing team culture.
This transformative experience laid the groundwork for continuous improvement and accountability within the Finance Team. Participants left the workshop not only with newfound skills and insights but also a commitment to supporting one another in their professional journeys.
Thus as we reflect on the power of voice this month, it’s essential to recognize how vital open communication and expression are in building a supportive culture. At the end of the day, participants acknowledged they had fun and learned a lot during the program. While they brought energy and connection during the theatre games, they recognized the challenge of maintaining the same level of empathy and positivity when addressing real work issues. This unique blend of enjoyment and learning empowered them to embrace change, fostering a supportive culture that will undoubtedly drive their future success.
Together, let us celebrate our voices and the impact they can have in transforming not just our teams but also our collective futures!
Are you looking to empower your team and enhance workplace culture? Our Exchange Theatre training programs can provide your organisation with the tools to navigate challenges, foster collaboration, and drive performance. Join us in creating a positive and supportive environment that enables individuals and teams to thrive!
For more information on our training programs, contact us today. Let's embark on a journey of transformation together!
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