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Team Building for Effectiveness Course Bundle

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Course Length: 22 Weeks

Course Hours: 64

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How to Build Highly Effective Teams

Too often, teams are formed merely by gathering some people together and then hoping that those people somehow find a way to work together. Teams are most effective when carefully designed. To design, develop and support a highly effective team, use the following guidelines

Outline

How to Build Highly Effective Teams

Too often, teams are formed merely by gathering some people together and then hoping that those people somehow find a way to work together. Teams are most effective when carefully designed. To design, develop and support a highly effective team, use the following guidelines:

1. Set clear goals for the results to be produced by the team.

The goals should be designed to be “SMART.” This is an acronym for:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant and
  • Time-bound.

As much as possible, include input from other members of the organization when designing and wording these goals. Goals might be, for example, “to produce a project report that includes a project plan, schedule and budget to develop and test a complete employee performance management system within the next year.” Write these goals down for eventual communication to and discussion with all team members.

2. Set clear objectives for measuring the ongoing effectiveness of the team.

The objectives, that together achieve the overall goals, should also be designed to be “SMART.” Objectives might be, for example, to a) to produce a draft of a project report during the first four weeks of team activities, and b) achieve Board-approval of the proposed performance management system during the next four weeks. Also, write these objectives down for eventual communication to and discussion with all team members.

3. Define a mechanism for clear and consistent communications among team members.

New leaders often assume that all group members know what the leaders know. Consistent communication is the most important trait of a successful group. Without communication, none of the other traits can occur. Successful groups even over-communicate, such that:

  • All members regularly receive and understand similar information about the group, for example, about the group’s purpose, membership, status, and accomplishments.
  • These communications might be delivered through regular newsletters, status reports, meetings, emails and collaboration tools.

4. Define a procedure for members to make decisions and solve problems.

Successful groups regularly encounter situations where they must make decisions and solve problems in a highly effective manner. Too often, the group resorts to extended discussion until members become tired and frustrated and eventually just opt for any action at all, or they count on the same person who seems to voice the strongest opinions. Instead, successful groups:

  • Document a procedure whereby the group can make decisions and ensure that all members are aware of the procedure.
  • The procedure might specify that decisions are made, first by aiming for consensus within a certain time frame and if the consensus is not achieved, then the group resorts to a majority vote.

5. Develop staffing procedures (recruiting, training, organizing, replacing).

Too often, group members are asked to join the group and somehow to “chip in.” Unfortunately, that approach creates “chips,” rather than valuable group members. Instead, if group members go through a somewhat organized, systematic process, then new members often believe that the group is well organized and that their role is very valuable in the group. Successful groups:

  • Identify what roles and expertise are needed on the group in order to achieve the group’s purpose and plans – they staff according to plans, not personalities.
  • New group members go through a systematic process to join the group – they understand the group’s purpose, their role, their next steps and where to get help.

6. Determine the membership of the group.

Consider the extent of expertise needed to achieve the goals, including areas of knowledge and skills. Include at least one person who has skills in facilitation and meeting management. Attempt to include sufficient diversity of values and perspectives to ensure robust ideas and discussion. A critical consideration is an availability – members should have the time to attend every meeting and perform required tasks between meetings.

7. Determine time frames for starting and terminating the team, if applicable.

Now consider the expertise needed to achieve the goals of the team, and how long it might take to recruit and organize those resources. Write these times down for eventual communication to and discussion with all team members.

8. Determine the membership of the team.

What expertise might the team need to achieve the goals of the group? For example, an official authority to gather and allocate resources, or an expert in a certain technology. Always consider if the members will have the time and energy to actively participate in the team.

9. Assign the role of leader – to ensure systems and practices are followed.

The leader focuses on the systems and practices in the team, not on personalities of its members. For example, the leader makes sure that all team members: a) are successfully staffed, b) understand the purpose of the group and their role in it, c) are active toward meeting that purpose and role, and d) utilize procedures for making decisions and solving problems. (Note that the leader does not always have to be a strong, charismatic personality – while that type of personality can often be very successful at developing teams, it often can create passivity or frustration in other members over time, thereby crippling the group.)

10. Assign role of a communicator – communication is the life’s blood of teams!

Communication is the most important trait of a successful team. It cannot be left to chance. Someone should be designated to ensure that all members receive regular communications about purpose, membership, roles and status. Communications should also be with people outside the team, especially those who make decisions or determine if the team is successful or not.

11. Identify needs for resources (training, materials, supplies, etc.).

Start from analysis of the purpose and goals. What is needed to achieve them? For example, members might benefit from a training that provides a brief overview of the typical stages of team development and includes packets of materials about the team’s goals, structure and process to make decisions. Consider costs, such as trainers, consultants, room rental and office supplies. How will those funds be obtained and maintained?

12. Identify the costs to provide necessary resources for the team.

Consider costs, such as paying employees to attend the meeting, trainers, consultants, room rental and office supplies. Develop a budget that itemizes the costs associated with obtaining and supporting each of the resources. Get management approval of the budget.

13. Contact each team member.

Before the first meeting, invite each potential team member to be a part of the team. First, send him or her a memo, and then meet with each person individually. Communicate the goals of the project, why the person was selected, the benefit of the goals to the organization, the time frame for the team effort, and who will lead the team (at least initially). Invite the team member to the first meeting.

14. Early on, plan team building activities to support trust and working relationships.

Team building activities can include, for example, a retreat in which members introduce themselves, exercises in which members help each other solve a short problem or meet a specific and achievable goal or an extended period in which members can voice their concerns and frustrations about their team assignments.

15. Carefully plan the first team meeting.

In the first meeting, review the goals of the team, why each member was selected, the benefit of the goals to the organization, the time frame for the team effort, who will lead the team (at least, initially), when the team might meet and where, and any changes that have occurred since the individual meetings. Have this information written down to hand out to each member. At the end of the meeting, ask each person to make a public commitment to the team effort.

16. Regularly monitor and report on the status of team members toward achieving the goal.

It is amazing how often a team starts out with a carefully designed plan, but then abandons the plan once the initial implementation of the plan is underway. Sometimes if the plan is behind schedule, team members conclude that the project is not successful. Plans can change – just change them systematically with new dates and approval of the changes.

17. Support team meetings and the members’ processes in the team.

At this point, it is critical that supervisors of team members remain available to provide support and resources as needed. The supervisor should regularly monitor team members’ progress in achieving their goals. Provide ongoing encouragement and visibility to members. One of the most important forms of support a supervisor can provide is coordination with other supervisors to ensure that team members are freed up enough to attend meetings.

18. Regularly celebrate team members’ accomplishments!

One of the best ways to avoid burnout is to regularly celebrate accomplishments. Otherwise, members can feel as if they are on a treadmill that has no end. Keep your eye on small and recurring successes, not just the gold at the end of the rainbow.

Certificate Requirements

Course Length

 

Course Effort

 

Total Course Hours

 

Languages

English

Video Transcripts

 No

System Requirements

Internet Connection

  • Broadband or High-Speed – DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections

*Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.

Hardware Requirements

  • Processor – 2GHz Processor or Higher
  • Memory – 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended

While our courses are accessible through multiple mobile learning platforms, some courses may include a CD or DVD with the Textbook, so you may need access to a computer with CD-ROM or DVD Drive.

 

PC Software Requirements

  • Operating Systems – Windows 7 or higher
  • Microsoft Office 2007 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
  • Internet Browsers – Google Chrome is highly recommended
    • Cookies MUST be enabled
    • Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
  • Kindle Reader App is needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
  • PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
  • Adobe PDF Reader
  • QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player

MAC Software Requirements

  • Operating Systems – Mac OS x 10 or higher with Windows
  • Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
  • Internet Browsers- Google Chrome is highly recommended
    • Cookies MUST be enabled
    • Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
  • Kindle Reader App is needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
  • PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
  • Adobe PDF Reader
  • Apple QuickTime Media Player
  • Courses that include a CD-ROM or DVD may require an external drive and Parallels software to view.

FAQs

How long does it take to complete a course?

When you register for a course(s), you will receive a start date and the time frame it takes to complete the program.  Once the course begins, each course is self-paced, so you can start and stop each learning module at your own pace. However, you must complete the course within the time frame to receive a certification.

What happens if I do not have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?

If you don’t finish the course in the time frame, you will not receive a certification. The time frame allotted to complete each course has been based on each learner giving a concerted effort to complete the course, plus the number of hours it takes to learn the information and obtain the certification.  Therefore, the time frame for each course has been calculated to ensure successful completion of the course. However, if for some reason a learner is unable to complete the course, you will have to re-enroll in the course and you will be required to pay the course price in effect at the time of re-enrollment.

Once enrolled in the course, and I realize that I can’t complete the course can I get a refund?

There are NO REFUNDS once you enroll in a course. However, if you are suddenly deployed while pursuing a certification course, we will work with you to ensure you complete your studies.  Learners who need to delay their course for medical reasons, may be eligible to transfer their course(s) to a future term.  A medical withdrawal will be considered only if accompanied by:

A written verification and phone verification from a medical doctor stating the student cannot complete the course due to illness or disability.  Please not the doctor’s note must be in English to be considered.

You can contact our office at: info@aperionglobalinstitute.com

Are there any additional materials and/or books I am required to buy for a course?

No, everything you need is included in the course.  Some courses will suggest additional materials/books that can help you grasp the information better, or expand your knowledge about a topic. However, you are not required to purchase the additional information.

 Are there exams I will have to take in a course?

Yes, there are exams in each course to access your knowledge of the material. You will be required to pass those exams to successful complete the course. The type of exams you will take vary. They can range from multiple choice questions, essays, short answers, and/or video/audio submissions. If you diligently study and complete the assignments for each course, you will be prepared to pass the exams in the course(s).

Can I get financial assistance?

Aperion Global Institute (AGI) courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal assistance in the United States, and AGI does not provide financial assistance.  In some states, a vocational program, military program, or workforce development program will pay for qualified learners to take courses. You will be responsible for qualifying for financial assistance through those agencies and/or programs.  For international students, you will also have to follow the guidelines and requirements regarding financial assistance at your institution or program.

What happens when I complete a course?

Upon successful completion of a course, within three (3) days you will receive a certification by email. You are free to save and print the certification for your educational and career needs. If for some reason you do not receive the certification, or can’t save or print the certification please contact our office at: info@aperionglobalinstitute.com

Once I provide an employer with the certification, am I guaranteed a job?

AGI does not provide direct job placement services after successfully completing a course. However, the certification you receive informs a potential employer that you have acquired the skills and knowledge to obtain employment, in most cases.  We recommend that learners conduct research on the job market to make sure you have the required job skills and expertise.

What software or hardware do I need, and what are the system requirements to take courses?

To take our courses, you must have access to a computer and the internet.  You can use a Mac and/or PC., tablet, phone.  You don’t have to use the same device to log-in for the course(s).  We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is the best), Abode Player, and the latest version of a free web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, etc.

When can I start the courses?

You can start the courses on the start date only. Once the course starts, you are free to access the course anytime, anywhere, and as many times as you want with an internet connection. Please note: There are no refunds once you enroll in a course(s).

Can I receive CEU credit for courses that I successfully complete?

Please do not assume that all courses that you take and successfully complete are eligible for CEU certification. If you are seeking CEU certification for a course, we strongly recommend that you contact your institution and establish eligibility for the courses you plan to take BEFORE you enroll in a course.  Although we provide you with a certificate for successfully completing a course, it is solely your responsibility to ensure that the course you enroll in and the certificate meets CEU requirements for your profession.

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