Working with a lively group of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineers is always a rewarding experience. It’s fascinating to see how the challenges teams face and the strategies to overcome them can be similar across different fields. This recent workshop with a dedicated MEP team was a perfect example of that.
Understanding the Challenge
The team had recently undergone some significant leadership and organizational changes. They sought to improve their communication and collaboration, as they were struggling with aligning project requirements and processes. This misalignment led to missed deadlines, rework, and general frustration among team members.
Despite these hurdles, the team had a strong culture and a lot of untapped potential. What they needed was a chance to step away from their daily tasks and learn some effective communication and collaboration strategies.
The Workshop Experience
In just three hours, we achieved the following:
- Analyzed Team Dynamics: We took a close look at what was driving the team forward and identified areas that needed improvement.
- Hands-On Learning: We explored best practices for collaboration through interactive activities.
- Developed Team Principles: We established guidelines to help the team work together more efficiently and effectively.
- Shared a Team Lunch: Enjoying a meal together was a great way to build camaraderie.
One of the highlights of the day was a “pizza making” activity. Although the pizzas were made from paper in a nod to the Kanban Pizza Game, we treated the team to real pizza at the end! 🍕 This exercise wasn’t just fun; it also provided valuable insights into project success and failure. The friendly competition showed how efficiency and teamwork can lead to better results. And, as an added bonus, I discovered that engineers will always find the most efficient way to create “pizzas” out of paper—rectangular toppings and all!
Positive Outcomes
Within a week after the workshop, the changes were already visible. Team members reported that their calls were more productive, and there was a noticeable improvement in task ownership and communication about availability. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of these changes and to be part of the team’s journey. I’m excited to see what they accomplish next!
