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This concise yet comprehensive team building resource gives you a sense of the way we work with clients to create lasting improvements in the performance of people, teams and organizations. This excerpt from several team building tools helps managers form a group of employees into a unified team and get them right down to work on the deliverable.
SHARE PERSONAL HISTORIES
Personal stories reveal capacities, generate respect and facilitate cooperation
ASK: "WHAT HAS WORKED FOR YOU IN THE PAST?"
This signals that what a participant brings to the group are valued as potential contributions
DESCRIBE HOW THE TEAM WILL WORK TOGETHER
Clearly state the team's purpose and plan, and describe each person's role within the small group.
DESCRIBE THE OUTCOMES IN CONCRETE TERMS
Provide examples so that everyone understands what the final deliverable will look like
OPTIMOZE INDIVIDUAL TEAM MEMBERS' STRENGTHS
Learn what each person wants to get out of the team: what's in it for me. Make realistic assignments that take advantage of each team members' individual strengths and desires
ESTABLISH NORMS FOR MAKING DECISIONS
Let team members know what types of decisions they are expected to make on their own and what types will be made by the team leader
ESTABLISH A PROCESS FOR GIVING AND RECEIVING FEEDBACK
This allows information to be exchanged quickly, easily and in all directions. When tough-minded communications are being shared coach team members on the confusion of feeling guilty with being guilty.
EXTRACT LESSONS LEARNED
Apply and validate lessons learned.