Taking John Lewis flagship stores from competition to collaboration
The Challenge
Two John Lewis stores, Oxford Street and Peter Jones in Sloane Square, are the largest in the organisation’s portfolio. Despite being part of the same group, they’ve traditionally operated quite independently of one another and, sometimes, taken a slightly competitive approach.
The managers of the stores decided they wanted to break down barriers between the two teams to enable more support and collaboration and build a sense of being part of the same team.
Paul Marsden, Head of Branch at the Oxford Street store, engaged TAG Events to run an away day for the workforce and start the process of bonding and learning more about how they could work supportively.
John Lewis is known for its people-centric approach but, as Paul explained, the retail world is pressured and teams work across a total of 75 hours per week, with shifts regularly separating people.
The Approach
Paul approached us with a fairly tight timescale so we worked within his budget and focused on his desired outcomes to build an event which could deliver exactly what was needed.
We knew of a venue that had links with John Lewis, The Odney Club, so we decided to hold the event there.
We started with some ice breakers, which are always popular and get everyone communicating and engaging with one another. For the main part of the day, we knew our Jailbreak activity was perfect because it calls on participants to work together, communicate clearly and generally have a lot of fun. When you can break down barriers with humour and activity, it’s easier for people to do the initial relationship building which can then carry on in the more serious working environment.
“It was great to work with Sarah. She tailored the event to our exact needs. It was great fun and truly brought the team together.”
Paul Marsden ***** Google Review
The Outcome
When we received Paul’s feedback, we knew we’d nailed our brief because he explained that the two groups were now looking at each other as people and not just seeing the role or name badge.
Paul explains “Team building events like this that take you out of the office environment into a different space mean people behave slightly differently…we’re super open at John Lewis, but this only adds to that. It’s a different mindset and the team are definitely more creative.”
“TAG were brilliant. Our slightly late notice wasn’t a problem and everything we requested was handled. The service from the outset was first class.”
The two stores have seen a marked increase in relationship quality and camaraderie between the teams since the event. In Paul’s words, the combined team is now built with the right ‘spirit and morals’ and the event was the catalyst from changing their mindset from one of competition to collaboration.
Key benefits of working with Team Activity Group
Paul’s feedback showed us that the most important thing we do for our clients is to make things happen. Taking away the pressure and complexity of arranging an off-site event is our superpower and it’s so rewarding when that work is appreciated.
Paul said “The team loved it. It was all set up and ready to go when we arrived. It was faultless. Absolutely faultless.”
To summarise, these are the things that Paul found most beneficial:
Ability to respond to the brief in short timeframe
Ability to work within budget and deliver desired outcomes
Recommending a suitable venue that was within budget
Selection of activities which focused on the required skills to deliver behaviour change
Excellent organisational skills and a strong team on the day
A seamless experience from brief to event, with excellent attention to detail
