Even the best laid plans and strategies can fail if the team driving the plan is not well developed. Developing high performing teams takes time, effort and a deep understanding of the dynamics of effective teams. This course helps team members and team leaders understand how to create and be part of a cohesive unit aligned to achieving results.

Course Methodology

This course relies on the use of psychometrics aimed at helping participants learn their preferred styles in leading and communicating with others. The course also features the use of several case studies, practical exercises and presentations by participants, followed by group discussions.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Distinguish between groups and teams and list the major characteristics of effective teams
• Identify team strengths and blind spots after analysing team members’ personal styles and preferences
• Use individual differences of team members as a gate to higher team performance
• Make decisions by consensus through participation in several team building activities
• Describe effective team members' behaviours and communication patterns
• Lead a team successfully and help it reach its potential

Target Audience

Managers, supervisors and staff whose job involves building teams as well as working in teams.

Target Competencies

• Relating to others
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Collaboration
• Decision making
• Group problem solving
• Self-awareness

Course Outline

Teamwork definitions and personal styles

• Myths about teamwork
• 21st-century teamwork definitions
• The concept of synergy
• Characteristics of high performing teams
• Overview of the Disc behavioural tool
• The 4 behavioural personality styles in the Disc model
• Personal development profile
• Team personal styles

High-performance team-building process

• Five steps of the team-building process
• Defining goals
• Agreeing on strategies
• Defining team roles
• Motivating team members
• Assessing team performance
• The Belbin type indicator
• Belbin's 9 team roles

Understanding Team dynamics

• Team development stages
• Forming stage
• Storming stage
• Norming stage
• Performing stage
• Adjourning stage
• Team problem solving
• Factors shaping team performance
• Phases of team problem solving
• Team decision making
• Building consensus
• Consensus requirements

Identifying effective team communication and behaviour

• Communication channels
• Communication methods
• Building rapport
• Managing conflict
• Applying conflict management styles

Team leadership concepts

• Leadership definition
• Leadership versus management
• Styles of leadership
• The implication of attitudes and personality
• Ten ways to empower followers
• Situational leadership
• Levels of development
• Different styles of motivation