Highlighting Harmonization
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EmailThree BEST teams from the Highways division in the Development, Environment and Culture directorate have recently joined forces after an office move brought the teams together at the Thimble Mill Depot to provide a more centralized and efficient service to their customers. The 34 staff, who are responsible for maintaining all street lighting and roads in Birmingham, have been led through the BEST process by Julie Brady for the Admin team, Tony Mathews, in the Logistics team and Darren Messinger for the Technical team.
In order to bring the new team together and encourage joint working and interaction, it was Julie’s brilliant idea to create an outside lunch space from an area of waste ground alongside the Depot. This would enable staff to enjoy lunch outside during the warmer weather instead of the unsightly view they currently have, and a change of environment from the four walls of the ‘mess room’ which is currently used during breaks.
The project was wholeheartedly supported by everyone, so with some trepidation, Julie Brady and Tony Matthews braved the BEST Dragons Den to present their idea, uncertain of what response they would get. The teams were ecstatic when they were granted the money to be able to carry out their action.
Operations Manager, Mick Williams, was one of 7 team members who rolled up his sleeves and got stuck in to clear the area ready for the benches and tables. The environmentally conscious team also contributed to sustainability by using recycled stone from road excavated material which they produce and recycle at the Depot, in readiness to tarmac the area.
The team’s positive BEST action has boosted staff morale in light of the current climate of recession and job losses which has affected so many people. And as well as strengthening bonds in their new team, the benefits of joint team working with other divisions within the Council such as Parks and Nature Conservation, and the Environment and Culture directorate to get benches and chairs completed were also highlighted.
This has been an excellent demonstration of the teams living the core values of BEST through belief in themselves and what they do as a now merged team. Trust was demonstrated by receiving and valuing the contributions of all three teams and involving partners, whilst maintaining sustainability throughout, promoting a happier and more efficient team to provide the BEST service possible to residents in Birmingham.
