This week's guest is a long-standing friend of Raising the Baa, David Wreathall, who is founder and now Chair of Trustees at the youth charity Inner Flame
An episode of two distinct halves, we hear David's perspective on how the concept of team building with sheep was born and how the exercise developed over the next few years. An off the cuff idea evolved with groups of young people on a purely voluntary basis until, serendipitously, a totally unexpected opportunity arose.
A tight deadline prompted massive action, energy levels soared and a sense of urgency prevailed - with a successful outcome for all.
Fast forward to 2020 and in an entirely different and more challenging context, the pandemic prompted these reactions for Inner Flame again. And like the proverbial Phoenix the charity rose from the pre-Covid 'ashes' - when youth unemployment was high so demand and funding was low - to a rejuvenated, re-energised team with re-packaged and much sought after training programmes.
David and Chris reflect on how the rollercoaster of emotions experienced through both these scenarios are reflected totally in the field when corporate teams are challenged to herd sheep on an away-day with Raising the Baa. It sometimes takes an external, possibly unexpected, stimulus to invigorate a team and galvanise it into action - and how exciting it is to hear about the results!
So what four words (one for each leg of the sheep or dog of course) will David use to describe the most extraordinary team? We conclude our conversation with this question to each of our guests and as yet no two have been the same.
If this episode has prompted any questions for David, Chris or Caroline, please go ahead and ask - either email caroline@raisingthebaa.com or leave it in your review!
Enjoy - and thank ewe for listening :-)
Free resources:
Manage Anxiety: Your Way - an introduction to the self-help virtual course David mentioned, run by Inner Flame.
Sheep, Shepherd or Dog - which one are ewe? Take our personality quiz and find out.
Connect with the speakers via LinkedIn:
Caroline Palmer - Top Dog and Co-Founder, Raising the Baa
Chris Farnsworth - Head Shepherd and Co-Founder, Raising the Baa
David Wreathall - Founder and Chair of Trustees, Inner Flame
What are your main team challenges and desires? Maybe we can help?
Book in a 15-minute Exploratory Call now and let's see.