High Performance Teams

In this course, learners complete a series of modules that provide an understanding of the current landscape of evidenced team-building knowledge, an introduction to to teamwork, and the tools commonly used in industry. Learners will be able to apply relevant teamwork competencies in academic and/or work-related activities. Module 1: What Makes a Successful Team (2 learning hours) This module will focus on what makes a successful team and introduce participants to key characteristics, behaviours, and best practices required to cultivate a successful or high-performing team. Learners will be able to discuss the importance of setting shared expectations and a vision of success using tools such as a “Team Charter”. The module will explore how team members can align focus, purpose, and priorities by working towards shared goals rather than serving one’s own personal goals. Module 2: Stages in Team Development (1.25 learning hours) A number of formal assessment and management tools are routinely deployed in organizations to help facilitate the formation and operations of high-performing teams. This module will focus on the stages of team development, with a focus on Tuckman’s model of team development. The applicability and validity of this and other team development models will be explored in order to give the learners the ability to apply them in a more informed and productive way. Module 3: Diversity in Teams (1.75 learning hours) This module will focus on the importance of understanding, valuing, and supporting dimensions of diversity and inclusivity in high-performance teams, including the importance of empathy, common goals, and communication. Learners will explore strategies to recognize and leverage the diversity within high-performance teams, in addition to strategies to foster inclusivity; throughout, the importance of empathy and belongingness will be emphasized. Module 4: Know Yourself, Know Your Teammates (1.5 learning hours) This module will provide opportunities for participants to reflect on their personal strengths and weaknesses, and how they can work within their team(s) to optimize one another’s strengths and weaknesses to improve overall team performance. The module will cover various aspects of team dynamics, such as communication, team roles, and decision-making. Module 5: Leading Successful Teams (2.25 learning hours) With a focus on negotiating skills, managing conflict, and constructive debate, this module will begin to examine some of the more nuanced and complex issues that can affect the effectiveness of a team. Different styles of leadership are presented, and learners are given the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences and leadership style. The inevitability of conflict is discussed, along with tools and techniques for avoiding, resolving, and transforming conflict into a constructive team experience. These methods are discussed in the context of teams with, and without, formally ratified leaders.