Collaborative Teaming Working Together Effectively Presented by Seena M. Skelton, Ph.D.

Agenda  Welcome and introductions  Collaboration… What is it?  Keys to Effective Teamwork and Collaboration  Managing Conflicts … What happens when we disagree?  Getting on the same page - A shared agenda

Brainstorm - What makes for good teamwork? Think - of qualities that make for an effective team. Pair - With the person next to you, discuss your list, and add to it Share - With the whole group

Collaboration “an interaction between at least two equal parties voluntarily engaged in shared decision making as they work toward a common goal.” (Friend & Cook, 1992)

Characteristics of Effective Collaboration  Individual value  Mutual respect,trust and support  Open, genuine communication  Commitment to the goal  Problem solving  Share in team roles  Is prepared

Teamwork Work done by a group of people with each doing his/her part but all working towards a common goal for the good of the whole group

Keys to effective teaming

What happens when we disagree?

5 Responses to Conflict  Avoid  Compete  Accommodate  Compromise  Collaborate

Warning!!! Devaluing any team member reduces the potential of the team

Managing Conflict  Preventing conflict  Resolving Conflict

Self-Assessment

How do you deal with conflict ?  Avoid conflict at all costs?  Feel that any criticism or disagreement is an attack on you?  Hit "below the belt" and regret it later?

How do you deal with conflict?  Feel "out of control" when conflict arises?  Withdraw and become silent when you're angry?  Store up complaints from the distant past?

Preventing Conflicts  Collaborating  Being organized  Effectively Communicating

To effectively communicate we must…  Listen  Monitor communication Exchanges  Give Feedback

Resolving Conflict u Calm down and check yourself u Know what you want from the other person (e.g. to hear you out, to change something etc.) u Set a time to talk to the person that is convenient for you and that person

Resolving Conflict u State the problem clearly (use “ I” statements. Name not Blame) u Listen as the other person share his or her views. Seek to understand their perspective u Discuss solutions

Managing conflict - Activity  Choose a facilitator and note-taker  Read the scenario  Brainstorm responses

Getting on the same page: A shared agenda  What do we want to accomplish?  What will it take to get there?  What will it look like when we’ve arrived and when to do want to get there?

Getting on the same page: A shared agenda  What actions will we take to accomplish our goal?  Whose going to do what, when, and how?  Did we do our plan and did it work?  What are our next steps?

To Contact Me:  Seena M. Skelton, Ph.D.  Empowering Education 