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Luke Angel

In this course, organizational alchemist Luke Angel explains how to build an efficient, high-performing team from the ground up. At its essence, a team is a system of human relationships. In the process of building a team, any leader or manager needs to understand not only the needs of individual team members, but also how those individuals are affected when working in groups. Effective teams emerge from an understanding of these dynamics. Luke Angel helps you understand your leadership style, and walks through the different stages of team development. He goes into different types of teams—natural or self-directed, cross-functional, and virtual. He also shows how to establish a team mission and how to run successful meetings.

Read more

In this course, organizational alchemist Luke Angel explains how to build an efficient, high-performing team from the ground up. At its essence, a team is a system of human relationships. In the process of building a team, any leader or manager needs to understand not only the needs of individual team members, but also how those individuals are affected when working in groups. Effective teams emerge from an understanding of these dynamics. Luke Angel helps you understand your leadership style, and walks through the different stages of team development. He goes into different types of teams—natural or self-directed, cross-functional, and virtual. He also shows how to establish a team mission and how to run successful meetings.

In this course you will learn:

  1. Learn About Different Leadership Styles
  2. Learn About Leadership Readiness
  3. Know How To Identity And Help Teams In The Forming Phase
  4. Know How To Identity And Help Teams In The Storming Phase
  5. Know How To Identity And Help Teams In The Norming Phase
  6. Know How To Identity And Help Teams In The Performing Phase
  7. Know How To Work With Both Self Directed And Natural Work Teams
  8. Know How To Work With Cross Functional Teams
  9. Know How To Work Virtual Teams
  10. Create and Monitor Team Missions And Goals
  11. Create and Monitor Team Performance Metrics
  12. Conduct Awesome Team Meetings
  13. Identify Roles And How To Engage With Them
  14. Create and Monitor Action Plans
  15. Know To building Consensus On Your Team

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn about different leadership styles
  • Learn about leadership readiness
  • Know how to identity and help teams in the forming phase
  • Know how to identity and help teams in the storming phase
  • Know how to identity and help teams in the norming phase
  • Know how to identity and help teams in the performing phase
  • Know how to work with both self directed and natural work teams
  • Know how to work with cross functional teams
  • Know how to work virtual teams
  • Create and monitor team missions and goals
  • Create and monitor team performance metrics
  • Conduct awesome team meetings
  • Identify roles and how to engage with them
  • Create and monitor action plans
  • Know to building consensus on your team
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

At its essence, a team is a system of human relationships. In the process of building a team, any leader or manager needs to understand not only the needs of individual team members
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So you've been selected to lead a team, congratulations.
Or is your reaction more like, oh no, I've been selected to lead a team, what am I supposed to do? Well in this course, you'll learn how to build an effective and efficient team from the ground up.
By starting with a strong foundation, you'll be able to weather the inevitable challenges that so many teams face.

If you have access to the exercise files for this course, you can download them to your desktop.
I've included team building activities to improve communication and relationships and there are also worksheets on creating an action plan for your team and much more.
If you're viewing this course on a mobile device, a set-top device, or you're membership doesn't provide access to the exercise files, that's okay.

In this Chapter we will review: 1.Understand-Your-Leadership-Style 2.Assess-Your-Leadership-Readiness

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of team building, let's look at how and why it's important for you to understand the role your personality and leadership style have on the overall success of the team.
It goes without saying that as a leader, your behavior and demeanor will be judged so it's helpful for you to understand how you appear to others or how you show up.
Knowing how you show up to your team is as crucial to success as knowing what to do with the team.

As a leader, your job is to use your personality and skills to help transform a group of individuals into a functioning team.
The best thing you can do to improve your chances for success is to become more aware of what drives you and your own decision making.
Several sources name high self awareness as one of the strongest predictors of leadership success.

In this Chapter we will review: 1.Forming-Stage 2.Storming-Stage 3.Norming-Stage 4.Performing-Stage

One of the best-known team development theories was developed by Bruce Tuckman, who suggested that teams evolve through a series of stages, beginning when they're formed and ending when they split up or complete a project.
He identified four distinct phases of team development: forming, storming, norming, and performing.
Let's start with the forming stage.

In This Section we will review the storming phase

After passing through the ups and downs of the storming segment, a team enters the calmer waters of the norming stage.
Here the group begins to look and act like a team with an identity, maybe even a nickname.
Because a shared vision has been achieved, team morale is likely to be high at this point.

Performing is all about high level implementation as the team works towards being the best it can be.
A performing team is characterized by noticeable harmony among the members, high levels of productivity, effective conflict management, appropriate pivoting, and maximum development of potential, both of the group and the individuals in the group.
If the stages were factors in an equation, then a plus b plus c would equal d, with d being the performing stage.

In this Chapter we will review: 1.Natural-Work-Teams-And-Self-Directed-Teams 2.Cross-Functional-Teams 3.Virtual-Teams

Natural teams, also called work groups, are built around a common product, process, or service.
A customer service department is an example of a natural team.
So is the mix of people responsible for giving you a good experience at a restaurant, as are assembly line operators, or the people who work in a regional sales office.
 

Cross-functional teams are made up of people with varying expertise, experience, perspective, and background.
It might include representatives from accounting, human resources, marketing, production and engineering and sales.
They're all working on a common goal, problem or objective, such as how a new computer system will impact each department.
 

A virtual team is a group of individuals often spread out across different time zones, from different cultures, with different languages, who are united by a common goal.
In fact, one study found 79% of knowledge workers were occasional or frequent members of a virtual team.
And overall, about 46% of organizations use virtual teaming.
 

In this Chapter we will review: 1.Establish-Team-Mission-And-Goals 2.Evaluate-Team-Performance

An effective mission statement clearly, and concisely, communicates the purpose for your team's existence.
It motivates people to take action and guides their decisions.
It's your team's source of inspiration, and lets others know what you're team's trying to achieve.

Your team likely fits one of two categories.
Either it was pulled together for a specific project, and has a limited lifespan, or its work is ongoing.
Both kinds of teams benefit from a transparent performance evaluation system.

In this Chapter we will review: 1.Tips-For-Successful-Team-Meetings 2.Engagement-Roles-For-Team-Members 3.Create-A-Team-Action-Plan 4.How-To-Reach-Consensus-On-A-Team

You know, like it or not, meetings play an important part in your team's development.
If it's true that opportunity plus preparation equals success then how you prepare for meetings contributes a great deal to their success or failure.
Successful meetings are opportunities for attendees to share key data, brainstorm, problem solve, and build relationships.

So, your meeting is set to begin soon.
You've developed an agenda, sent pre-meeting notifications to attendees, and planned the overall logistics.
You're all set, right? Well, no.

Action plans make your teams work more deliberate, requiring a clearly defined problem and an objective to pursue.
Having a written plan with the tasks to accomplish this helps minimize distractions while offering team members an objective way to hold each other accountable as they work toward their targeted goals.
The goals are the destination and the plans are the vehicles you board to get to the destination.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Helps students understand how to be a more effective leader and better prepare for challenges and a legacy of leadership
Explores team development theory while offering tools and strategies that can help incorporate theory into practice
Appropriate for beginners looking for a survey of the topics this course covers
Teaches how to lead natural work teams and self-directed teams
Teaches how to lead cross-functional teams
Provides guidance for facilitating effective team meetings

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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 Team Building: Beginner To Advanced with these activities:
Compile a notebook or digital folder with all of your course materials
Compiling a notebook or digital folder with all of your course materials will help you stay organized and make it easier to review and study for exams.
Browse courses on Organization
Show steps
  • Gather all of your course materials, including notes, handouts, and assignments.
  • Organize your materials by topic or unit.
  • Create a system for keeping track of your materials, such as a table of contents or index.
Review your notes from previous courses
Reviewing your existing knowledge about team building and leadership will help you identify areas for growth and improvement as you progress through this course.
Browse courses on Team Performance
Show steps
  • Gather your notes from previous courses about team building, leadership, and related topics.
  • Take some time to skim through your notes and refresh your memory on the key concepts.
  • Highlight any areas that you feel need additional review or attention.
Practice identifying different leadership styles
Identifying different leadership styles will help you become more aware of your own style and how to adapt it to different situations and team members.
Browse courses on Leadership Styles
Show steps
  • Find a list of different leadership styles, such as the Situational Leadership Model or the Blake-Mouton Managerial Grid.
  • Read through the descriptions of each style and identify the key characteristics.
  • Think about examples of leaders you have worked with in the past and try to identify their leadership styles.
  • Practice using different leadership styles in different situations.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Watch videos on effective team communication
Watching videos on effective team communication will help you learn how to communicate more effectively with your team members and build stronger relationships.
Browse courses on Team Communication
Show steps
  • Search for videos on effective team communication on platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn Learning.
  • Choose a few videos that look interesting and watch them.
  • Take notes on the key points that you learn.
Join a study group or online forum for this course
Joining a study group or online forum will give you the opportunity to connect with other students in the course, share ideas, and get support.
Browse courses on Team Building
Show steps
  • Search for study groups or online forums related to this course.
  • Join a group that fits your learning style and schedule.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Develop a team charter for a project you are working on
Developing a team charter will help you define the purpose of your team, establish clear goals, and outline roles and responsibilities.
Show steps
  • Gather your team together and brainstorm the purpose of your team.
  • Develop a mission statement and goals for your team.
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of each team member.
  • Write down your team charter and have everyone sign it.
Volunteer with a local organization related to team building or leadership
Volunteering with a local organization will give you the opportunity to put your team building and leadership skills into practice while making a positive impact on your community.
Browse courses on Team Building
Show steps
  • Search for local organizations that are related to team building or leadership.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend training and orientation sessions to learn about the organization's mission and goals.
  • Participate in volunteer activities that align with your skills and interests.
Start a project to improve your team's performance
Starting a project to improve your team's performance will give you the opportunity to apply the concepts you learn in this course and make a real difference in your team.
Browse courses on Team Performance
Show steps
  • Identify an area where your team's performance could be improved.
  • Develop a plan to address the issue.
  • Get buy-in from your team members.
  • Implement your plan and track your progress.

Career center

Learners who complete Team Building: Beginner To Advanced will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Team Lead
Team Leads are responsible for the work of a small team within a larger organization. Team Leads serve as a liaison between their teams and upper management. A foundational understanding of team dynamics is essential for this role, and a course like this will help build that foundation. Lessons like "How to Identity and Help Teams in the Forming Phase" and "How to Identity and Help Teams in the Storming Phase" will give you the tools you need to help your team overcome obstacles and grow.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers lead training programs, develop educational content, and analyze training effectiveness. A course like this one is very useful for anyone who wants to become a Training and Development Manager, because it goes over material that you can later teach to employees of organizations you work for or with. This material includes topics like leadership styles, team formation, and gauging team performance.
Department Manager
Department Managers oversee the daily operations of a specific department within a company. Depending on your field and industry, you may have a wide range of responsibilities, including hiring and firing, setting budgets, and developing policies. In this course, you will learn how to build high-performing teams and resolve conflict. When you can do this, you become a much more valuable Department Manager.
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for coordinating and organizing projects. You may find that on any given day, you are planning resources, setting budgets, and preparing your team. This course will enable you to be a successful Project Manager regardless of your industry. The syllabus covers how to facilitate team meetings, conduct action plans, and assess team performance. These are all critical skills for Project Managers to have in order to keep projects on schedule, on budget, and delivered to specification.
Executive
Executives help guide companies at the highest levels. Professionals in this role need to be able to lead, make decisions, and solve problems. Taking a course in team building can be a great way to prepare for an executive role. You will learn about leadership styles, how to get teams through different phases of growth, and how to foster engagement and teamwork.
Business Consultant
Want to help companies and organizations with everything from marketing to management to tech strategy? Business Consultants can specialize in a variety of advisory roles. Specifics may depend on your background, but taking this course can help you onboard more quickly as an analyst or consultant because you will have already built a strong foundation in topics like group dynamics in teams, team roles, and gauging team performance. With an understanding of team processes, you can more quickly begin to offer advice to your clients on how they can maximize team output.
Chief Executive Officer
CEOs are responsible for setting the strategic direction of a company. They also make decisions about everything from marketing to operations to finance. Success as a CEO depends on many factors, and one of the most important of these factors is the ability to lead teams. This course can help you hone those leadership skills, and you may find the sections on "How to Identity and Help Teams in the Storming Phase" and "How to Identity and Help Teams in the Norming Phase" particularly helpful when stepping into a CEO role.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. They are responsible for ensuring that a company's products or services are produced and delivered to customers on time and within budget. A strong understanding of team building is a valuable skill for Operations Managers. A course like this one can give you practical tips for conflict resolution, gauging team performance, and facilitating team meetings.
Change Manager
Change Managers help organizations implement change successfully. They may work on a variety of projects, such as developing and implementing new policies, procedures, or technologies. In this course, you will learn how to lead teams through change, facilitate team meetings, and plan for the future. This knowledge can be invaluable for any Change Manager.
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Development Managers help organizations improve their performance. They may do this by developing and implementing new programs, or by providing training and coaching to employees. A course like this one can help you to become an Organizational Development Manager by teaching you how to assess team performance, create and monitor team missions and goals, and properly identify roles and how to engage with them.
HR Manager
HR Managers oversee all aspects of human resources for a company, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee relations. Taking this course may be helpful for you if you're interested in a career in HR Management. You will learn about topics like team building, leadership styles, and conflict resolution. This knowledge is essential for any HR Manager who wants to create a positive and productive work environment.
Product Manager
Product Managers build strategy and lead the development and launch of products and features. This course may be helpful for Product Managers who are looking to expand their skillset. You will learn practical skills, like managing different types of teams and how to get those teams to collaborate. The sections on cross-functional teams, virtual teams, and team missions are especially relevant to Product Managers, who need to be able to lead diverse teams with a variety of goals.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help companies improve their performance by identifying and solving problems. They may work on a variety of projects, such as developing new products, improving operations, or increasing sales. Taking this course in team building may be helpful for someone who wants to become a Business Analyst because it covers a variety of relevant topics, including leadership styles, team dynamics, and performance assessment.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations. They may work on a variety of projects, such as developing new products, improving operations, or increasing sales. Consultants who specialize in leadership or organizational development may find that a course like this one is particularly helpful. Modules like "Learn About Different Leadership Styles" and "Create and Monitor Action Plans" can equip you to do your job more effectively.
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. They are responsible for all aspects of their business, from developing a product or service to marketing and sales. While you may not need this course to start your own business, it can be helpful for entrepreneurs who are looking to build a team and grow their business. The syllabus includes sections on building consensus and conducting awesome team meetings.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Team Building: Beginner To Advanced.
Helpful tool to have when building a new team or working with a team that has low morale or dysfunction.
Goes into great detail about how to create a culture of trust within an organization.
Covers many of the same subjects in this course, but because it goes into more depth, it useful resource to use in addition to this course.
Can help you better understand your team members and their needs. It can be a helpful reference for learning how to work with different personality types.
Is written for general audiences and great resource for foundational knowledge.
Although this book is written for a general audience, it gives practical advice on how to build an effective team. It good resource to use as a supplement to this course.

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