Building high-performing teams

At the last final meeting for this strategic direction, the group reflected on the strategic planning journey to-date and reviewed the goals and objectives developed across all four strategic directions. The team was asked to consider and discuss research and education opportunities over the next three years, and consider how this direction can collaborate with the other directions to achieve its goals.

Finally, the group reflected on the strategic planning process. Members expressed general satisfaction with the process. They felt widespread consultation informed the team’s discussions and that engagement could be further strengthened by involving patient and family partners as members of the strategic planning teams.

At the fourth meeting of this strategic direction team, the Chairs presented key takeaways from the strategic planning summit world café held on Monday, January 15.

Based on feedback from the summit and input from key stakeholders, the goals, objectives and actions were amended to be inclusive and more patient-centred.

The team was divided into two separate groups to discuss 1) how we will go about enhancing high performing teams at Sunnybrook; and 2) how we can promote the development of ‘Team Ontario’ with our partners in the broader healthcare system.

At this meeting, the group discussed steps that Sunnybrook can take to achieve high-performing teams. The co-chair led the discussion by encouraging the group to think big and bold, to ensure Sunnybrook is prepared to influence and lead in the healthcare system in the years ahead.

The group split into smaller groups to brainstorm big ideas related to four goals:

• Building high performing teams
• Exceptional work environment
• Leadership in leading teams
• Exceeding in building partnerships and working with others (Team Ontario)

Over a dozen big ideas were proposed, including:

• Develop technological solutions to better integrate care across the province.
• Create ‘consultative solution teams’ that can come together to rally around an issue that the organization may be facing.
• Create new mentorship programs for leaders and staff.

From here, the big ideas will be refined to develop objectives for each of the four goals.

At the second meeting for this strategic direction, the group first reviewed the results of last month’s online poll questions.

When people were asked, “what do you think are the most important attributes of a high-performing team?” they selected “communication,” “trust” and “respect" as the most important characteristics. In an internal poll, when staff were asked, “what makes your team great?” their answers included “respect,” “communication,” “trust,” and “shared decision-making” as the top responses. The group agreed the results of these poll questions should guide us when drafting the goals and objectives of this strategic direction.

The group acknowledged that Sunnybrook already has many high-performing teams, and that it’s important to continue building and improving upon that accomplishment. Having high-performing teams is also essential to the success of the three other strategic direction areas (personalized and precise treatments, innovative and integrated care, creating a better care experience).

Informal teams are just as important as formal teams at Sunnybrook, and the group discussed how to ensure that every staff member feels they are part of a high-performing team, regardless of their role. The group also discussed it’s important to remember that sometimes, being a leader in the area of high-performing teams means recognizing when we can learn from others, an attitude that will strengthen relationships with our external partners.

Moving forward, the group will be drafting goals and objectives that capture the importance of supporting an exceptional work environment for staff, which allows high-performing teams to continue developing naturally. ​

At the first meeting for this strategic direction, members noted that Sunnybrook's teams are foundational to the hospital's success. There was a discussion about the characteristics of a high-performing team, some of which include shared values, respect and common goals.

Members also spoke about the need to identify threats to high-performing teams. What can Sunnybrook do to prepare our teams to be resilient and flexible to face challenges in their work?

A topic for future discussions was also identified: what can Sunnybrook do to nurture its teams to help them achieve the hospital’s mission and vision? It is the people that do the work, and a solid internal foundation is required to enable our teams to achieve Sunnybrook’s strategic goals and to go beyond. Examples of where we currently do this well include the Sunnybrook Leadership Institute and the Interprofessional Showcase.

These questions and topics will be explored at future meetings and through ongoing public, staff and partner engagement.