EMI Case Study

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of facilitating a creativity workshop with the team at European Movement Ireland (EMI).

Atmosphere is such a significant aspect of any working environment, and I felt it immediately upon arrival. The team’s welcome and open body language reflected a collegiate, comfortable dynamic — ideal conditions for a highly creative session.

Throughout the workshop, the EMI team remained fully engaged, balancing focus and humour as they transitioned easily between drawing, discussion, and attentive listening. Their openness to sharing and expressing ideas led to impressive creative problem-solving.

Creativity workshops invite adults to play—a concept that often feels foreign or even awkward, particularly in more structured work environments. When working with teams that are less connected, the dynamic can feel quite different, often marked by reservation and a sense of “stuckness” around creative expression and collaboration. For these teams, creativity may be even more essential, but it requires more patience and support to unlock.

In a connected, collegiate team, the creative process is a liberating and enjoyable experience, with everyone feeling free to explore new perspectives and possibilities. Greater collective participation brings a vibrant and dynamic creative energy to the room.

Ultimately, fostering a workplace environment that values creativity can make all the difference — especially in teams where creativity is needed but may not be flowing freely. When employees are encouraged to let go of hesitation, embrace their potential, and connected more deeply with both their colleagues and themselves, it improves team morale, and creates the kind of atmosphere where creativity can thrive.