Future Human Project’s journey to the Twist Museum, London

Why we went to the Twist Museum to challenge our team’s perspectives.

Photo by Twist Mueseum

We believe that true leadership and effective team dynamics start with an open mind and a willingness to see from multiple perspectives.

This philosophy drove us to take one of our client's teams on an enlightening trip to the enigmatic Twist Museum.

Located at the heart of London, the Twist Museum is no ordinary exhibition space. Designed by neuroscientists, it is crafted to challenge your perceptions and invite you to see beyond the obvious.

Why Twist Museum?

The team had been experiencing friction due to an inability to see things from each other's perspectives. This challenge was impacting their productivity and cohesion.

Each member of our clients’ team came from different backgrounds, bringing unique viewpoints and experiences. This diversity, while incredibly valuable, sometimes led to confrontational scenarios. The Twist Museum offered the perfect setting to break this cycle.

By visiting the Twist Museum, we aimed to help them realise their immediate judgments were often based on incomplete information.

What's more, gamification is a trend rising in popularity as an employee engagement strategy. Many of Twist's exhibits have game-like qualities to educate and inspire.

Our objective was clear: immerse the team in an environment that stimulates curiosity and questions their preconceived notions.

How workplace culture affects team synergy

A positive, inclusive culture fosters psychological safety, where team members feel valued, heard, and free to express their ideas without fear of judgment. This openness encourages collaboration and innovation, as diverse perspectives are actively welcomed and explored.

Conversely, a toxic culture, marked by fear, competition, or lack of trust, stifles communication and cooperation, leading to friction and reduced productivity.

The dynamics within a team are deeply influenced by these cultural cues. They impact everything from motivation and engagement to overall performance and satisfaction.

Emphasising a culture that prioritises mutual respect, continuous learning, and open dialogue can dramatically enhance team cohesion, driving both individual and collective success.

The power of perspective

As they navigated through the museum, encountering mind-bending exhibits and interactive installations, team members were encouraged to pause and reflect.

The aim was to showcase that our immediate judgments are often based on incomplete information.

Instead of reacting to a colleague's viewpoint with defensiveness, we urged them to ask "Why?" Why does this person hold this opinion? What experiences or knowledge shape their perspective?

It was about teaching them that understanding the reasoning behind someone's opinion can transform their interactions and foster a more harmonious work environment.

Embracing multiple truths

One of the key exercises at the Twist Museum involved viewing an object from multiple angles, revealing how our perception changes with perspective.

This was a powerful metaphor for the team. They began to see that two conflicting opinions could both hold truth. Plus, it wasn’t about proving who was right or wrong but understanding that different viewpoints can coexist.

The importance of diverse perspectives

A team that values different perspectives and brains is essential for success. Diverse viewpoints lead to a richer pool of ideas and innovations, increasing creativity and enhancing problem-solving.

When team members feel their opinions are valued, they are more likely to contribute openly, resulting in better decision-making and more comprehensive solutions. Diversity in thinking also helps anticipate challenges and navigate complex situations more effectively, ensuring a dynamic and resilient team capable of adapting to change.

Building on team cohesion

The experience at the Twist Museum was transformative. It helped the team appreciate the value of diverse opinions and reduced confrontation by fostering an environment where asking questions became more important than making statements. This approach helps in creating a healthier, more productive, and creative workplace.

At the Future Human Project, we aim to cultivate leaders who can embrace complexity and drive innovation through understanding and collaboration.

Our visit to the Twist Museum was a testament to this mission. It demonstrated how stepping outside the usual confines and challenging one’s perceptions can lead to a more harmonious and cohesive team culture.

Embrace the twist, challenge your perceptions, and lead with an open mind.