Last week, Methods had the privilege of sponsoring the Defra Project Delivery Conference and Awards. Entitled ‘People, Purpose and Passion: The Pathway to Success’, the event highlighted the value of empowerment, collaboration, and innovation in the successful and effective delivery of projects and programmes. Attendees had the opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate, bringing their unique skills to the table.
Methods hosted several sessions throughout the conference which delved into topics aimed at fostering growth and progression within Defra’s community. Methods’ Head of Change Delivery, John McRoberts’, keynote highlighted the importance of setting and adhering to standards for good delivery, offering pragmatic steps to reduce risk and build maturity in standards management.
Stuart Ecuyer in the breakout session ‘The Moving Target’, provided a platform for participants to identify common problem statements within Defra and discuss how the continuity of purpose can sometimes be obstructed or diluted amidst the waves of change. Through collaborative efforts and cross-functional engagement, pathways to maintain clarity of purpose and enhance delivery performance across the board can be explored.
Another engaging session led by Sam Facer, ‘Unlocking Passion and Motivation in Project Teams’, gave attendees the chance to reflect on personal experiences and delve into the intricate dynamics of motivation in the workplace. The group explored strategies to infuse meaning, motivation, and passion into teams, thereby fostering an environment prepared for innovation and success.
In the final session, led by Sam Peacock, ‘People – Leading through change’, delegates utilised storytelling to navigate organisational change. They mapped affected personas on an enhanced Kubler Ross Change Curve, adjusting their positions at story milestones. Working in groups, they devised communication strategies and activities to aid change adoption. This exercise fosters understanding of people’s responses to change and integrates psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and behavioural neuroscience to improve support approaches.
As sponsors of this event, we are immensely proud to have played a part in facilitating important discussions and knowledge-sharing amongst the Defra community.
We would like to thank Defra and all the participants for their unwavering commitment to driving positive change and making a difference in the world. The Defra Awards highlight the importance of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning in our collective journey towards a better, more sustainable future.
