WOODBROOKE QUAKER STUDY CENTRE
Woodbrooke is Europe’s only Quaker study center, providing a peaceful setting for contemplative learning for people of all faiths since 1903. What began as an institution geared toward educating guests about Quakerism and Quaker values is now also open to groups and individuals interested in hosting their own meetings and retreats. As the staff worked toward expanding their mission in this way, they looked to Executive Soul to help them find balance maintaining their core values while cultivating a professional and service-oriented atmosphere.
The Method:
Executive Soul team members met with Woodbrooke staff to learn the story of the institution, become acquainted with its mission, and discuss personal values and vision with staff members. This process of information gathering began to paint a clear picture of project goals:
Through contemplative and team building exercises, Woodbrooke teaching and operations staff members were able to identify and combine individual strengths to reinforce the values that make them a team. Their stronger collective vision and improved relationships have enhanced the Woodbrooke experience, for both staff members and guests.
Client Testimonial:
“Years later, the staff and guests at Woodbrooke are enjoying the many benefits of our work with Executive Soul. We have seen increases in morale and efficiency among team members and higher levels of client satisfaction, which have led to increased business. We continue to take interviewees’ attitudes and compatibility with our ethos into account when recruiting, which has added to the strength of our team. Most importantly we feel that we’ve done all of this through staying true to our core mission and values. I would encourage any organisation to explore their possibilities with Executive Soul – I’m so glad we did.”
-- Kathleen Russell, Head of Centre Development
Woodbrooke is Europe’s only Quaker study center, providing a peaceful setting for contemplative learning for people of all faiths since 1903. What began as an institution geared toward educating guests about Quakerism and Quaker values is now also open to groups and individuals interested in hosting their own meetings and retreats. As the staff worked toward expanding their mission in this way, they looked to Executive Soul to help them find balance maintaining their core values while cultivating a professional and service-oriented atmosphere.
The Method:
Executive Soul team members met with Woodbrooke staff to learn the story of the institution, become acquainted with its mission, and discuss personal values and vision with staff members. This process of information gathering began to paint a clear picture of project goals:
- Build a stronger sense of team among faculty and staff;
- Encourage individual reflection and realization of personal and professional goals;
- Strengthen team morale;
- Increase individual job efficiency and effectiveness;
- Strike a balance between offering a peaceful setting and providing professional services for guests.
Through contemplative and team building exercises, Woodbrooke teaching and operations staff members were able to identify and combine individual strengths to reinforce the values that make them a team. Their stronger collective vision and improved relationships have enhanced the Woodbrooke experience, for both staff members and guests.
Client Testimonial:
“Years later, the staff and guests at Woodbrooke are enjoying the many benefits of our work with Executive Soul. We have seen increases in morale and efficiency among team members and higher levels of client satisfaction, which have led to increased business. We continue to take interviewees’ attitudes and compatibility with our ethos into account when recruiting, which has added to the strength of our team. Most importantly we feel that we’ve done all of this through staying true to our core mission and values. I would encourage any organisation to explore their possibilities with Executive Soul – I’m so glad we did.”
-- Kathleen Russell, Head of Centre Development