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David Neil and Lydia Kavanagh

Teamwork is an essential component of most professional activities in the modern world. But what makes an effective team?

This course is an introduction to teamwork skills for all disciplines that will help you improve your own performance and that of your team.

It covers why teams are important, the roles of individuals in a team, systems and processes for effective teamwork and communication, and methods for addressing team conflict.

Throughout the course you will be provided with a range of tools and templates that you will be able to use with any team.

Read more

Teamwork is an essential component of most professional activities in the modern world. But what makes an effective team?

This course is an introduction to teamwork skills for all disciplines that will help you improve your own performance and that of your team.

It covers why teams are important, the roles of individuals in a team, systems and processes for effective teamwork and communication, and methods for addressing team conflict.

Throughout the course you will be provided with a range of tools and templates that you will be able to use with any team.

Join us and learn how to make teams work for everyone.

What you'll learn

  • What you need to know about teams - types of teams, lifecycle of teams, what makes high performing teams
  • How to be an effective team member - commitment, team roles, leadership, communication
  • The systems and processes for building high performance teams including team diagnosis tools
  • How to understand and resolve team conflict and dysfunction

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • What you need to know about teams - types of teams, lifecycle of teams, what makes high performing teams
  • How to be an effective team member - commitment, team roles, leadership, communication
  • The systems and processes for building high performance teams including team diagnosis tools
  • How to understand and resolve team conflict and dysfunction

Syllabus

Section 1 What is a team? What can teamwork achieve and what are the traits of high-performing teams? The lifecycle of teams - forming, storming, norming and performing.
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Section 2 Personalities and role preferences in teams What are the personalities, contexts, and social norms that underpin team interactions? How can we understand team working preferences and potential conflicts?
Section 3 Critique a hypothetical team Analyse the potential for success of a hypothetical team and the need for strategies.
Section 4 Everyday teamwork planning tools Tips for new teams, team meetings, project planning and team decision-making.
Section 5 Leadership, assertiveness, and cooperation Why everyone should develop these attributes and what are the frameworks for developing them for yourself. How to lead a team when your turn comes.
Section 6 Maintaining your team Effective communication, embracing diversity, and staying ahead of team conflict.
Section 7 Addressing team conflict The reality of team conflict and dysfunction, how conflict escalates, addressing team conflict and team dysfunction, and a DIY team problem solving diagnosis tool.
Approach: Video interviews, short answer questions, polls, drag and drop activities, multiple choice questions, peer assessments, and discussion.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops effective communication, problem solving, and decision-making skills, which are core to teamwork
Emphasizes team roles, dynamics, and processes, essential for high-performing teams
Practical focus on resolving team conflict and dysfunction, critical for maintaining harmony
Evidence-based and industry-informed content, aligned with best practices in teamwork
Experienced instructors with expertise in team development and performance
May require prior knowledge or experience in teamwork for optimal engagement

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Reviews summary

In-depth team management course

According to students, this course provides an in-depth introduction to teamwork, allowing learners to understand personality types and how to effectively manage team conflicts. Students highly recommend this course due to its well-structured and engaging homework assignments.
Students are able to engage in collaborative peer review of homework assignments.
"and then peer-reviewed."
Students participate in engaging and practical homework assignments.
"The homework part was very interesting, with complex examples that had to be analyzed"
This course offers a comprehensive view of team management.
"A great and in depth introduction about how teams work,"
"about personality types, managing conflicts etc."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Working in Teams: A Practical Guide with these activities:
Introduction to Teams: A Guide for High Performance
Review this book to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of teamwork, including the different types of teams, their life cycles, and the key characteristics of high-performing teams.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and chapter 1.
  • Make notes on the key concepts of teamwork.
  • Reflect on how these concepts apply to your own experiences with teams.
Review the key concepts of effective communication
Effective communication is essential for team success. Refresh your knowledge of the key concepts.
Browse courses on Effective Communication
Show steps
  • Read an article or book on effective communication
  • Identify the key principles of effective communication
  • Reflect on how you can apply these principles to your own teamwork
Team Charter
Create a team charter for a hypothetical team project. This will help you establish clear goals, roles, and responsibilities for your team, which will contribute to a more successful and productive team experience.
Browse courses on Project Planning
Show steps
  • Define the purpose of your team.
  • Identify the key roles and responsibilities of each team member.
  • Establish team norms for communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
  • Create a plan for monitoring and evaluating team progress.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Review the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Refresh your knowledge of the SDLC to better understand team roles and responsibilities.
Show steps
  • Read an overview of the SDLC
  • Identify the phases of the SDLC
  • Describe the activities involved in each phase
Team Communication Exercises
Engage in a series of exercises designed to improve your team communication skills. This will help you develop the ability to communicate effectively in a team environment, which is essential for success.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Role-play a difficult conversation with a team member.
  • Practice active listening and providing constructive feedback.
  • Negotiate a solution to a team conflict.
Participate in a team role preference assessment
Understanding your own and your team members' role preferences can help you build a more effective team.
Show steps
  • Take a team role preference assessment
  • Discuss your results with your team
  • Reflect on how you can use this information to improve your teamwork
Team Simulation Exercise
Participate in a simulated team project to practice your teamwork skills and identify areas for improvement. This will provide you with valuable feedback and help you develop strategies for working effectively in a team environment.
Browse courses on Team Dynamics
Show steps
  • Form a team with other students in the course.
  • Develop a plan for completing a team project.
  • Facilitate a team meeting to discuss the project and delegate tasks.
  • Complete the project and present your findings.
  • Reflect on your team's dynamics and identify areas for improvement.
Review Covey's 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People'
Covey's principles can help you develop the interpersonal skills necessary for effective teamwork.
Show steps
  • Read the book
  • Identify the key principles
  • Reflect on how you can apply these principles to your own teamwork
Create a team charter
A team charter will help your team set clear goals and establish norms for working together.
Show steps
  • Meet with your team to discuss goals and expectations
  • Draft a team charter that outlines the team's purpose, goals, roles, and responsibilities
  • Review and finalize the team charter with your team
Follow a tutorial on how to use a project management tool
Project management tools can help your team stay organized and track progress. Learn how to use one.
Show steps
  • Research and find a tutorial on how to use a project management tool
  • Follow the tutorial and learn how to use the tool
  • Apply what you learned to your own teamwork
Attend a workshop on conflict resolution
Conflict is inevitable in teams. Learning how to resolve it effectively can help you maintain a positive and productive team environment.
Show steps
  • Research and find a conflict resolution workshop
  • Attend the workshop
  • Apply what you learned to your own teamwork
Volunteer with a team-based organization
Volunteering can provide you with valuable experience working with others in a team environment.
Show steps
  • Research and find a team-based volunteer opportunity
  • Contact the organization and sign up to volunteer
  • Participate in team activities and work with other volunteers

Career center

Learners who complete Working in Teams: A Practical Guide will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Team Coordinator
Team Coordinators are responsible for facilitating effective teamwork and communication within an organization. This course on Working in Teams provides you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to succeed in this role. You'll learn about the different types of teams, the lifecycle of teams, and the traits of high-performing teams. You'll also develop your skills in communication, conflict resolution, and leadership, which are essential for any Team Coordinator.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course on Working in Teams can be a valuable asset to Project Managers, as it provides a framework for understanding and managing teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Project Managers to possess.
Consultant
Consultants work with clients to identify and solve problems. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Consultants, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Consultants to possess.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with stakeholders to identify and document business requirements. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Business Analysts, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Business Analysts to possess.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Software Engineers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Software Engineers to possess.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of products. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Product Managers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Product Managers to possess.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Marketing Managers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Marketing Managers to possess.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for leading and motivating sales teams. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Sales Managers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Sales Managers to possess.
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Managers are responsible for overseeing customer service operations. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Customer Service Managers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Customer Service Managers to possess.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for managing the human resources function within an organization. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Human Resources Managers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Human Resources Managers to possess.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an organization. This course on Working in Teams can be helpful for Operations Managers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all critical skills for Operations Managers to possess.
Financial Manager
Financial Managers are responsible for managing the financial resources of an organization. This course on Working in Teams may be helpful for Financial Managers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all valuable skills for Financial Managers to possess.
Accountant
Accountants are responsible for preparing and maintaining financial records. This course on Working in Teams may be helpful for Accountants, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all valuable skills for Accountants to possess.
Lawyer
Lawyers provide legal advice and representation to clients. This course on Working in Teams may be helpful for Lawyers, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all valuable skills for Lawyers to possess.
Doctor
Doctors provide medical care to patients. This course on Working in Teams may be helpful for Doctors, as it provides a framework for understanding and working with teams effectively. The course covers topics such as team communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making, which are all valuable skills for Doctors to possess.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Working in Teams: A Practical Guide.
Comprehensive guide to team development and management. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the theory and practice of teamwork.
Provides an overview of the different types of teams and the factors that affect team dynamics. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand how teams work.
This ancient Chinese military treatise provides insights into the nature of conflict and how to achieve victory. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the dynamics of team conflict.
Discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in building high-performing teams. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the role of emotions in the workplace.
Discusses the role of habits in our lives and how we can change them. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the habits that can help us build high-performing teams.
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Discusses the role of motivation in building high-performing teams. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand what motivates people and how to create a more motivating work environment.
Discusses the role of wisdom in building high-performing teams. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand how to create a wise and effective team.

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