Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an inspiring webinar hosted by Ben Hunt-Davis from “Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?” The concept of an “evidence wall” – a visual display of progress and achievements – really resonated with me.

One of the consistent themes I see when working with NHS leaders is a sense of being overwhelmed by the challenges they face.  That feeling of constantly climbing a mountain whilst the peak remains out of reach or, in some cases, out of sight.  Having been there myself, I totally get it.  It’s easy to get caught in the daily grind and lose sight of the incredible work and achievements of the previous days, weeks and months.

This is where the ‘evidence wall’ can be a game-changer.

🔍 What is an ‘Evidence Wall’? It’s a dedicated space where teams can display their milestones, successes, and progress. This visual representation serves as a constant reminder of how far they’ve come, boosting morale and fostering that all important sense of progress.

💡 Ideas for Implementing an Evidence Wall:

1. Make it Visual: Create a dedicated space (physical or digital) in a common area where everyone can see. Use charts, graphs, and photos to show performance to document achievements and milestones.
2. Celebrate Small Wins: Encourage team members to contribute by sharing their small victories and daily progress. This could be anything from completing a challenging task to receiving positive feedback from a patient or family.
3. Regular Updates: Schedule regular intervals (preferably weekly) to update the evidence wall. This keeps the momentum going and ensures that new achievements are always highlighted.
4. Incorporate Team Input: Make it a collaborative effort. Invite team members to add notes containing where they have made the most progress towards their goals since the last update making it a collective representation of progress.  Also ask them to note the key ingredient that enabled their progress.
5. Reflect and Learn: Use the evidence wall as a tool for reflection, especially during team meetings. What’s working well? What can be improved? Celebrate the progress and the wins, and also use them as stepping stones for continuous growth.

Implementing an ‘evidence wall’ can transform the way teams perceive their progress. It’s crucial to pause, recognise progress, and celebrate the positive impact you’re making. An evidence wall can be a catalyst for motivation, team building, and ultimately, a reminder that the mountain you’re climbing is worth every step.