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A.W. Lukens
and
Oxana Trotsenko
In this course, you will learn the skills needed for effective cross-functional collaboration and practical tactics for applying them. Since understanding concepts intellectually is always easier than knowing how to apply them practically, you will be presented with an opportunity to practice in a low-stakes environment while being guided each step of the way. For this course, you will need a relative, friend, or colleague you could practice with. The best part? They don’t need to know they are a part of your training.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/kv7lw8/facilitating
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What's inside
Syllabus
Two key roles in cross functional collaboration
Leader and a facilitator roles set the tone of cross-functional collaboration. They either help the team do their best thinking or they hinder the progress.
In this module, you will learn the difference between being a leader and a facilitator. You will also learn how you can help the cross-functional team overcome the most common collaboration anti-patterns depending on the role you play.
Read more
Syllabus
Two key roles in cross functional collaboration
Leader and a facilitator roles set the tone of cross-functional collaboration. They either help the team do their best thinking or they hinder the progress.
In this module, you will learn the difference between being a leader and a facilitator. You will also learn how you can help the cross-functional team overcome the most common collaboration anti-patterns depending on the role you play.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops professional skills for working in cross-functional teams
Taught by Oxana Trotsenko and A.W. Lukens, who are recognized for their work in cross-functional collaboration
Highly relevant for those new to cross-functional teams
Examines interpersonal team dynamics, roles, team structure, and team process, which are core concepts in cross-functional collaboration
Equips learners with tools and techniques for creating shared understanding, team alignment, and a roadmap for the work ahead
Requires collaboration with a relative, friend, or colleague to practice concepts
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Reviews summary
Practical cross-functional collaboration skills
According to students, this course is a highly practical and actionable guide for anyone looking to improve their cross-functional collaboration and facilitation skills. Learners consistently highlight the unique opportunity to practice with a peer as a game-changer, significantly boosting their confidence and ability to lead diverse teams effectively. While it provides a solid foundational understanding, some experienced professionals noted that certain elements might cover familiar ground. Overall, it's praised for its real-world applicability, offering strategies immediately implementable in professional settings. A few reviews mentioned the challenge of securing a suitable practice partner.
Excellent for foundational understanding; may be basic for highly experienced learners.
"Good overview of facilitation techniques; some parts felt a bit basic if you already have experience."
"It covers the essentials effectively, making it a good starting point for someone new to cross-functional work."
"I was hoping for more advanced strategies for dealing with highly dysfunctional teams, but it’s solid fundamentals."
Especially relevant for team leads, project managers, and product roles.
"As a new team lead, this course was invaluable; it equipped me with actionable strategies."
"This course fills a critical gap in professional development for anyone managing cross-functional teams."
"I feel much more confident in leading team collaborations and aligning diverse stakeholders now."
The requirement to practice with a colleague is highly effective.
"The exercises where you practice with a colleague were a game changer for my learning."
"The 'practice with a friend' concept was unique and incredibly useful for solidifying skills."
"It’s rare to find a course that truly encourages and facilitates real-time application like this one does."
Focuses on real-world application, not just theory.
"This course is incredibly practical and immediately applicable to my work."
"I appreciated the focus on actual application rather than just intellectual understanding; it made all the difference."
"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
Finding a suitable external practice partner can be a hurdle.
"The 'practice with a friend' element is difficult to set up if you don't have suitable colleagues readily available."
"I found myself wishing for more case studies or simulations within the platform itself, given the challenge of finding a practice partner."
"While the peer practice was great, it sometimes felt like a logistical challenge to coordinate."
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 Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration with these
activities:
Review Leadership Concepts
Show steps
Understand the fundamental principles of leadership to better prepare for the course content on leadership roles.
Show steps
-
Identify the different leadership styles
-
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each style
-
Consider how your own leadership style may impact cross-functional collaboration
Facilitation Role-Play
Show steps
Practice facilitating a cross-functional team meeting to gain hands-on experience in managing group dynamics and decision-making.
Browse courses on
Facilitation Skills
Show steps
-
Identify a specific goal for the meeting
-
Prepare an agenda and handouts
-
Facilitate the meeting, ensuring all participants are heard and engaged
-
Summarize the key decisions and action items
Participation in Cross-Functional Collaboration Case Competition
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting by participating in a cross-functional collaboration case competition.
Show steps
-
Identify and register for relevant case competitions
-
Form a team with diverse skills and experience
-
Analyze the case and develop a comprehensive solution
-
Prepare and present your solution to a panel of judges
Show all three activities
Review Leadership Concepts
Show steps
Understand the fundamental principles of leadership to better prepare for the course content on leadership roles.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the different leadership styles
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each style
- Consider how your own leadership style may impact cross-functional collaboration
Facilitation Role-Play
Show steps
Practice facilitating a cross-functional team meeting to gain hands-on experience in managing group dynamics and decision-making.
Browse courses on
Facilitation Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific goal for the meeting
- Prepare an agenda and handouts
- Facilitate the meeting, ensuring all participants are heard and engaged
- Summarize the key decisions and action items
Participation in Cross-Functional Collaboration Case Competition
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting by participating in a cross-functional collaboration case competition.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for relevant case competitions
- Form a team with diverse skills and experience
- Analyze the case and develop a comprehensive solution
- Prepare and present your solution to a panel of judges
Show all three activities
Career center
Learners who complete Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officers (COOs) lead the day-to-day business operations of a company, helping ensure that the company's goals and objectives are met. They oversee a range of functions, including production, marketing, sales, and human resources. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration can be particularly valuable for COOs, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams from across the organization to achieve business outcomes.
Program Manager
Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing complex projects or programs. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration can be very useful for Program Managers, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage project scope and timelines, and overcome challenges.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for planning, organizing, and executing projects. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration can be very useful for Project Managers, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage project scope and timelines, and overcome challenges.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products or services. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that products meet customer needs and are delivered on time and within budget. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Product Managers, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand customer needs, and develop and launch successful products.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts work with cross-functional teams to analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. They develop and implement solutions to improve efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Business Analysts, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand business processes, and develop and implement effective solutions.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a business. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that the business runs smoothly and efficiently. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Operations Managers, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, improve operational efficiency, and overcome challenges.
IT Manager
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for overseeing the IT systems and infrastructure of an organization. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that IT systems meet the needs of the business and are aligned with business goals. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for IT Managers, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand business needs, and develop and implement effective IT solutions.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for overseeing the human resources function of an organization. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that HR policies and practices are aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Human Resources Managers, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand business needs, and develop and implement effective HR policies and practices.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers are responsible for planning and delivering training programs for employees. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that training programs are aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Training and Development Managers, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand business needs, and develop and deliver effective training programs.
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Development Manager
Organizational Development Managers are responsible for developing and implementing organizational change initiatives. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that change initiatives are aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Organizational Development Managers, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand business needs, and develop and implement effective organizational change initiatives.
Change Management Consultant
Change Management Consultant
Change Management Consultants help organizations implement change initiatives. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that change initiatives are successful and sustainable. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Change Management Consultants, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand business needs, and develop and implement effective change initiatives.
Agile Coach
Agile Coach
Agile Coaches help organizations adopt and implement Agile methodologies. They work closely with cross-functional teams to improve team performance and agility. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Agile Coaches, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand business needs, and help teams adopt and implement Agile methodologies successfully.
Scrum Master
Scrum Master
Scrum Masters help Agile teams implement Scrum, a popular Agile framework. They work closely with cross-functional teams to improve team performance and agility. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Scrum Masters, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand business needs, and help teams adopt and implement Scrum successfully.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing expert advice and guidance on a range of issues, including strategy, operations, and human resources. They often work with cross-functional teams to implement new initiatives and solve business problems. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Management Consultants, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, understand the challenges faced by organizations, and develop and implement effective solutions.
Team Leader
Team Leader
Team Leaders are responsible for leading and motivating a team of employees to achieve a common goal. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that the team's work is aligned with the organization's goals and objectives. The course Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration may be useful for Team Leaders, as it will help them develop the skills needed to effectively lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams, motivate and inspire team members, and overcome challenges.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/kv7lw8/facilitating
Reading list
We've selected 11 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
Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the art of facilitation. It covers the essential skills and techniques needed to facilitate effective meetings, workshops, and other group processes.
Provides practical guidance on how to facilitate participatory decision-making processes.
Save
Provides insights into the factors that contribute to team success.
Save
Provides a practical guide to negotiation and conflict resolution.
Save
Provides insights into the importance of emotional intelligence for effective leadership and teamwork.
Provides insights into the common challenges that teams face and offers practical advice on how to overcome them.
Provides a practical guide to using Kanban for project management.
Provides insights into the principles of lean thinking and how they can be applied to startup and product development.
Provides insights into the challenges that large organizations face when innovating.
Save
Provides insights into the challenges of IT management and how to overcome them.
Provides insights into the principles and practices of the Toyota Production System and how they can be applied to other industries.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/kv7lw8/facilitating
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Rating
4.7
Effort
9 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado System
Instructors
A.W. Lukens
Oxana Trotsenko
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Cross-Functional Collaboration. It's comprised of three courses:
- Facilitating and Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration (viewing)
- Fundamentals of Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Mastering the Art of Cross-Functional Collaboration
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