Flying in Formation: Lessons in Teaming from RIAT to the care sector

This weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) with my dad and my sister. As we marveled at the sheer power and precision of the fighter jets soaring above us, I couldn't help but reflect on the intricate teamwork that goes into making such displays possible.

One highlight that particularly stood out was the tribute to the Hawks' 50th anniversary, where a Hawk from each of five international teams came together to perform a stunning aerial display. This collaboration got me thinking about the importance of effective teamwork, especially in fields like the learning disability sector and health/mental health services.

The display we witnessed wasn't something that could be thrown together haphazardly. It required meticulous planning, communication, and a commitment to a shared goal. This level of teamwork aligns closely with the concepts presented by Amy Edmondson in her work on teaming. Edmondson emphasizes the necessity of creating environments where people can speak up, collaborate, and innovate without fear of failure. This is crucial in any high-stakes setting, but it feels particularly relevant when considering multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) working within the learning disability sector, whilst addressing health and mental health inequalities.

Much like the international Hawk teams coming together for a seamless performance, MDTs in healthcare must navigate across different specialties and boundaries to provide holistic care. This means that healthcare providers, mental health professionals, commissioners and social workers must all collaborate effectively.

In the same way that the pilots had to trust each other implicitly, healthcare professionals must foster a culture of trust and open communication. Edmondson’s concept of "psychological safety" is critical here—team members need to feel safe to voice their ideas, concerns, and mistakes without fear of retribution. This environment encourages continuous learning and adaptation, which are essential for tackling the complex, multifaceted issues in health and social care.

The Hawk tribute at RIAT was set up at short notice, showcasing how experts from different backgrounds can come together quickly and effectively. This mirrors the necessity for agility in MDTs, where rapid coordination and responsiveness can significantly impact patient outcomes. For example, addressing a mental health crisis for someone with a learning disability requires immediate, cohesive action from various professionals. When MDTs work in harmony, they can provide comprehensive, person-centered care that addresses all aspects of an individual’s well-being.

Reflecting on the air show, I am inspired by how different teams, despite their unique backgrounds and expertise, came together to create something truly spectacular. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when we embrace the principles of effective teaming. Psychological safety, the promotion of open communication, and working across boundaries have the potential for MDTs to significantly improve outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities and those facing health and mental health inequalities.

Let’s take a leaf out of the pilots’ book and strive to build cohesive, agile, and innovative teams in our own sectors.

After all, the best outcomes arise when we all fly in formation, united by a common goal.