The check-in activity for this fourth Values Conversation sparked a strong sense of interest among the group. Participants were eager to learn about their colleagues’ values and were intrigued by what might unfold after the discussions. Several individuals expressed feeling appreciated and heard, noting that receiving the invitation to join the session made them feel valued. They were also thankful for the opportunity to listen to others’ perspectives and to gain insight into how these conversations about values could influence the future direction of the organisation.
There were some surprises within the group, particularly regarding the presence (and, in some cases, the absence) of Family in the Top 5 values. Some viewed values like Family and Health as reflections of how individuals interpreted the survey. Others recognized a connection between behaviours in the family context and those within a team. Behaviours related to Loyalty and Accountability were seen as directly contributing to increased trust within the organization, with some acknowledging that trust must be reciprocal. This led to a discussion that highlighted how organizational trust is built through a series of individual behaviours and interactions.
Looking forward to how Values could influence the organization, there was a sense of hope that this exercise would offer a genuine opportunity for a reset within NHS Supply Chain, rather than being “just a paper exercise.” Trust emerged as a key theme, closely tied to empowerment and collaboration. The group viewed themselves as a skilled workforce that could thrive if provided with clear goals and the autonomy to apply their professional judgment in achieving them. There was also a discussion around the importance of ensuring that behaviours were appropriate and not used as an excuse for unhelpful behaviour.
As the session came to a close, there was a noticeable sense of inclusion among the group. Several participants shared that they found the session engaging, thought-provoking, valuable, and well-timed.