Team Conversations Robin Rodin Principal, The Rodin Group 6/1/08

The important problems we face cannot be solved with the same level of thinking that we had when we created them. Albert Einstein

Objectives Learn  Practical approach to team problem solving Plan  To take one new action Enhance ability to engage in robust conversations that result in best decisions for your organization.

Agenda Intro to Team Conversations Assessment- Team Quotient Practice Action Planning

Team Conversation Quotient Individually, check the answer that most describes behaviors in your teams Small groups(2-3) at your table Discuss:  Your answers-Share Experiences  Impact of allowing/not allowing these behaviors

Debrief What stood out for you? What did you learn? Similarities/Differences?

Foundation for Team Conversations Getting “real” and to the “heart” of the matter Really asking and Really listening Generating heat Enriching the relationship Feeling different when the Conversation is over. Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations, Achieving Success at Work & in Life, One conversation at a Time.

Team Conversation Model When to use:  Important decisions need to be made  A strategy needs to be designed  An opportunity needs to be evaluated  A problem to solve  Need multiple and diverse perspectives

Tapping Into Multiple Perspectives (aka Beach Ball Stripes) Who has the knowledge and experiences I can tap into? Who thinks entirely different from me? Who can check their ego at the door

The Team Conversation Model Complete the Issues Prep Form Invite those who will be affected and /or who have perspectives you need to hear. Send out material that should be reviewed before hand

The Issues Prep Form An Example

Team Conversation: Top Ten Thank everyone for coming Give everyone a copy of the Issues Prep Form Tell them you want to hear their perspectives Make sure you hear from each member Ask each member to write down a concise answer to this question:  “What would you do if you were in my shoes?”

Top Ten, cont’d. Each member reads his/her advice. Respond by saying, “Thank you” After everyone has read their advice, summarize and ask, “Did I miss anything?” Tell them what action you are prepared to take and when you will take it Have them sign and give to you Get back to them once you have made a decision or taken action to let them know the results and /or next steps

Ready for the Real World Everyone complete the Issues Prep Form with your issue At table, introduce yourself and share your issue (first item only) Table votes on topic for the team conversation Individual with chosen topic follows the rest of the process

Debrief What worked well? What could have gone better? What did you like about the process? What was difficult, if anything?

Action Planning Select a significant recurring problem you wish to solve Use this Issues Prep Form to frame the problem Take Action!

Questions?