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Matthew A. Koschmann, PhD
Recently revised and updated! Effective teamwork and group communication are essential for your professional and personal success. In this course you will learn to: make better decisions, be more creative and innovative, manage conflict and work with difficult group members, negotiate for preferred outcomes, improve group communication in virtual environments, develop a better overall understanding of human interaction, and work more effectively as a team. Our goal is to help you understand these important dynamics of group communication and learn how to put them into practice to improve your overall teamwork.
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OpenCourser.com/course/mof8u2/teamwork
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What's inside
Syllabus
Rethinking Communication
Week 1 is all about communication. But not the common sense or taken-for-granted notions of communication you might expect. Instead, we’re going to rethink communication and challenge some of the conventional wisdom about communication that is common in our society. We’ll compare and contrast different theories or models of communication, and see if we can develop a more sophisticated understanding of communication to understand the complexities of human interaction in today’s groups. We’ll also explore some of the hidden forces of group communication, like context, systems and institutions, and design. These are all things that are “present” in any group situation, influencing how we interact with each other, but easy to miss if we’re not looking. We want to expand our field of vision, so to speak, so we have a fuller understanding of what’s happening in any group situation.
Read more
Syllabus
Rethinking Communication
Week 1 is all about communication. But not the common sense or taken-for-granted notions of communication you might expect. Instead, we’re going to rethink communication and challenge some of the conventional wisdom about communication that is common in our society. We’ll compare and contrast different theories or models of communication, and see if we can develop a more sophisticated understanding of communication to understand the complexities of human interaction in today’s groups. We’ll also explore some of the hidden forces of group communication, like context, systems and institutions, and design. These are all things that are “present” in any group situation, influencing how we interact with each other, but easy to miss if we’re not looking. We want to expand our field of vision, so to speak, so we have a fuller understanding of what’s happening in any group situation.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces the major topics of group communication, including team building, decision making, conflict management, negotiation, and the use of technology in group settings
Taught by Matthew A. Koschmann, PhD, who is an expert in group communication and has extensive experience as a teacher and researcher in the field
Provides a comprehensive overview of the major topics in group communication, making it suitable for learners of all levels
Emphasizes practical applications of group communication principles, with a focus on developing skills that can be used in a variety of settings
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Reviews summary
Practical teamwork and communication skills
According to students, this course provides a highly practical and applicable foundation in teamwork and group communication. Learners particularly appreciate the clear explanations of complex topics and the effective strategies offered for managing conflict, making decisions, and working in virtual environments. The course structure is well-organized, making the material easy to follow. While many find the content directly useful for both professional and personal interactions, some reviewers note that the course covers foundational concepts and could benefit from more in-depth exploration of certain advanced topics.
Covers essential aspects like conflict and virtual work.
"The section on managing conflict was particularly insightful and gave me new ways to approach disagreements."
"Understanding communication in virtual teams (Week 4) is so important now, and this module covered it well."
"I gained valuable perspective on decision-making traps and how to avoid them in groups."
Concepts are explained simply and effectively.
"The instructor does a fantastic job breaking down complex communication models into understandable parts."
"Everything was explained clearly, even the more theoretical concepts in Week 1."
"I appreciated how the content was presented – straightforward and easy to grasp."
Offers immediately applicable tools and strategies.
"The strategies for handling conflict and making decisions were immediately applicable in my work team. I could use them right away."
"I found the tools and frameworks provided incredibly practical for navigating group dynamics."
"This course gave me concrete ways to improve communication in my project teams, which has made a noticeable difference."
Provides a solid base, but some seek more depth.
"It's a great introductory course, but I was hoping for a bit more depth on advanced negotiation tactics."
"If you're already familiar with basic communication theory, some parts might feel like review."
"I feel I got a good overview, but I might need additional resources for deeper specialization."
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 Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups with these
activities:
Review Core Concepts in Communication Theory
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in the fundamental principles of communication to enhance your understanding of group dynamics.
Browse courses on
Communication Theory
Show steps
-
Revisit course materials or external resources on communication theory.
-
Summarize key concepts and models of communication.
-
Reflect on how these concepts apply to your own experiences in group communication.
Explore Online Resources on Virtual Team Collaboration
Show steps
Gain practical knowledge and insights into effective communication and collaboration in virtual team settings.
Browse courses on
Virtual Teams
Show steps
-
Search for and identify reputable online resources (e.g., articles, webinars, videos) on virtual team collaboration.
-
Review and synthesize the information gathered from the resources.
-
Identify key strategies and best practices for communicating and collaborating effectively in virtual teams.
Design a Team Charter for a Group Project
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive document that outlines the goals, roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols for your group.
Browse courses on
Team Dynamics
Show steps
-
Facilitate a group discussion to gather input and establish the team's purpose and objectives.
-
Define clear roles and responsibilities for each team member based on their skills and interests.
-
Establish communication channels, meeting schedules, and decision-making processes.
-
Document all aspects of the team charter in a written or digital format.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Develop a Communication Plan for a Group Project
Show steps
Practice applying the principles of effective group communication to enhance collaboration and project success.
Browse courses on
Group Communication
Show steps
-
Analyze the group's communication needs, including goals, timelines, and stakeholders.
-
Identify and select the appropriate communication channels (e.g., email, instant messaging, video conferencing).
-
Establish clear communication protocols and guidelines (e.g., response times, meeting frequency, agenda setting).
-
Create a communication schedule and track progress.
Participate in a Group Discussion on Conflict Resolution
Show steps
Engage in active discussion and role-playing exercises to develop strategies for navigating and resolving conflicts within groups.
Browse courses on
Conflict Resolution
Show steps
-
Prepare for the discussion by reviewing course materials on conflict resolution and group dynamics.
-
Actively participate in the discussion, sharing insights and experiences.
-
Engage in role-playing exercises to practice conflict resolution techniques.
Role-Play Conflict Resolution Scenarios
Show steps
Practice applying different conflict resolution strategies and techniques in simulated scenarios.
Browse courses on
Conflict Resolution
Show steps
-
Identify common conflict scenarios that may arise in group settings.
-
Develop role-play scenarios based on the identified conflict situations.
-
Practice role-playing the scenarios with other participants.
-
Reflect on the effectiveness of different conflict resolution techniques.
Review Core Concepts in Communication Theory
Show steps
Strengthen your foundation in the fundamental principles of communication to enhance your understanding of group dynamics.
Browse courses on
Communication Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit course materials or external resources on communication theory.
- Summarize key concepts and models of communication.
- Reflect on how these concepts apply to your own experiences in group communication.
Explore Online Resources on Virtual Team Collaboration
Show steps
Gain practical knowledge and insights into effective communication and collaboration in virtual team settings.
Browse courses on
Virtual Teams
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for and identify reputable online resources (e.g., articles, webinars, videos) on virtual team collaboration.
- Review and synthesize the information gathered from the resources.
- Identify key strategies and best practices for communicating and collaborating effectively in virtual teams.
Design a Team Charter for a Group Project
Show steps
Develop a comprehensive document that outlines the goals, roles, responsibilities, and communication protocols for your group.
Browse courses on
Team Dynamics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Facilitate a group discussion to gather input and establish the team's purpose and objectives.
- Define clear roles and responsibilities for each team member based on their skills and interests.
- Establish communication channels, meeting schedules, and decision-making processes.
- Document all aspects of the team charter in a written or digital format.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Develop a Communication Plan for a Group Project
Show steps
Practice applying the principles of effective group communication to enhance collaboration and project success.
Browse courses on
Group Communication
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Analyze the group's communication needs, including goals, timelines, and stakeholders.
- Identify and select the appropriate communication channels (e.g., email, instant messaging, video conferencing).
- Establish clear communication protocols and guidelines (e.g., response times, meeting frequency, agenda setting).
- Create a communication schedule and track progress.
Participate in a Group Discussion on Conflict Resolution
Show steps
Engage in active discussion and role-playing exercises to develop strategies for navigating and resolving conflicts within groups.
Browse courses on
Conflict Resolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Prepare for the discussion by reviewing course materials on conflict resolution and group dynamics.
- Actively participate in the discussion, sharing insights and experiences.
- Engage in role-playing exercises to practice conflict resolution techniques.
Role-Play Conflict Resolution Scenarios
Show steps
Practice applying different conflict resolution strategies and techniques in simulated scenarios.
Browse courses on
Conflict Resolution
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify common conflict scenarios that may arise in group settings.
- Develop role-play scenarios based on the identified conflict situations.
- Practice role-playing the scenarios with other participants.
- Reflect on the effectiveness of different conflict resolution techniques.
Career center
Learners who complete Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Communications Specialist
Communications Specialist
Effective communication is a skill needed by all Communications Specialists, who provide information that helps organizations reach their audiences. Groups play a major role in all types of communication in an organization, since development of a PR campaign, writing press releases, and managing social media all involve teamwork. Taking this course will help you understand how to build better relationships with your team and communicate with them in a way that leads to better results. The discussions of conflict and diversity will help you manage the different personalities you will likely encounter in a professional setting.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialist
PR involves managing the way that the public relates to an organization. Communication is essential in PR, both internally and externally. In this course, you will learn the best ways to communicate within your organization and to tailor your communication to the audience you are trying to reach. You will also learn how groups make decisions, which will help you better integrate with your team to develop PR campaigns and other communication messages.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Understanding how to work with groups is key to success as a Business Analyst, and this course will teach you to work effectively in teams. Business Analysts may also work in consulting, where conflict resolution and negotiation are essential skills. In this course, you will learn how to work with others to clearly understand the business problem, develop solutions, and make decisions that improve the organization.
Team Leader
Team Leader
Team Leaders are tasked with making sure their teams are working effectively and efficiently. This course will teach you the skills you need to do so, including effective communication, group development, decision-making, and conflict management. This course will help you lead and inspire groups by building relationships and trust, as well as establishing goals and objectives, and facilitating communication among team members.
Educator
Educator
As an Educator, you will work with a diverse group of people to meet the needs of students. This course will help you enhance your ability to manage conflict and foster diversity in the classroom, and will help you develop strong communication skills that will support your students' learning. The course will also enhance your understanding of group development and decision-making, skills which you can use to plan and lead effective lessons and activities.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers work with teams to complete projects successfully. Effective teamwork is key to project management, and this course will teach you how to develop strong teams and lead them to success. You will also learn how to manage conflict and make decisions to help ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
Recruiter
Recruiter
Recruiters work with teams to find, hire, and retain the best talent for their organizations. Teamwork is essential to developing an effective recruiting strategy, and this course will teach you how to build and lead teams that can achieve results. You will learn how to develop job descriptions, screen candidates, and conduct interviews. You will also develop your communication and negotiation skills to help you build relationships with candidates and clients.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue goals. Effective teamwork is essential in building and maintaining successful sales teams. This course will teach you how to manage and motivate teams to achieve results. You will also learn how to develop sales strategies, create sales presentations, and negotiate with customers.
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Manager
Customer Service Managers lead and motivate teams to provide excellent customer service. Teamwork is essential in building and maintaining a successful customer service team. This course will teach you how to manage and motivate teams to achieve results. You will also learn how to develop customer service strategies, resolve customer issues, and communicate with customers.
Event Planner
Event Planner
Event Planners work with teams to plan and execute successful events. Effective teamwork is essential to planning and executing successful events. This course will teach you how to build and lead teams to achieve results. You will also learn how to develop event plans, manage budgets, and coordinate with vendors.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers lead and motivate teams to develop and execute marketing campaigns. Effective teamwork is essential to developing and executing successful marketing campaigns. This course will teach you how to build and lead teams to achieve results. You will also learn how to develop marketing plans, create marketing materials, and manage marketing budgets.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Community Outreach Coordinator
Community Outreach Coordinators work with teams to develop and implement community outreach programs. Effective teamwork is essential to developing and implementing successful community outreach programs. This course will teach you how to build and lead teams to achieve results. You will also learn how to develop community outreach plans, create outreach materials, and manage outreach budgets.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers lead and motivate teams to develop and implement HR policies and programs. Effective teamwork is essential to developing and implementing successful HR policies and programs. This course will teach you how to build and lead teams to achieve results. You will also learn how to develop HR plans, create HR materials, and manage HR budgets.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Managers lead and motivate teams to develop and implement training and development programs. Effective teamwork is essential to developing and implementing successful training and development programs. This course will teach you how to build and lead teams to achieve results. You will also learn how to develop training plans, create training materials, and manage training budgets.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social Workers work with teams to provide a variety of services to individuals and families. Effective teamwork is essential to providing quality services to clients. This course will teach you how to build and lead teams to achieve results. You will also learn how to develop social work plans, provide social work services, and advocate for clients.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/mof8u2/teamwork
Reading list
We've selected 15 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
Teamwork Skills: Communicating Effectively in Groups.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of theories and models of group communication. It helps learners understand the different approaches to studying group dynamics and apply them to practical communication situations.
Offers practical guidance on navigating difficult conversations in groups, helping individuals manage conflict, build consensus, and improve communication. It aligns with the course's emphasis on conflict management and effective negotiation.
Explores the common dysfunctions that plague teams and provides practical advice for overcoming them. It offers a structured approach to building high-performing teams with strong communication, trust, and accountability.
Save
Provides valuable insights into the dynamics of group communication and decision-making through the lens of gatherings and events. It offers practical strategies for creating more effective and engaging group experiences, complementing the course's focus on teamwork skills.
This reader offers a collection of articles and essays on intercultural communication. It provides diverse perspectives on cultural diversity, communication styles, and strategies for effective cross-cultural interactions, complementing the course's focus on working with diverse groups.
Save
Delves into the cultural factors that contribute to the success of teams and organizations. It provides insights into how to create a positive and supportive team culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and high performance.
Explores the power of collective intelligence and the conditions under which groups can make better decisions than individuals. It provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the dynamics of group decision-making.
Offers a comprehensive guide to developing emotional intelligence, a key skill for effective teamwork and group communication. It provides practical strategies for managing emotions, fostering empathy, and building strong interpersonal relationships.
This classic work explores the concept of 'context' in communication and its role in shaping group behavior and interactions. It provides a valuable framework for understanding the cultural and unspoken cues that influence group dynamics.
Concise and accessible introduction to group communication. It covers key concepts, theories, and practical skills for effective group discussions, decision-making, and problem-solving. As a widely used textbook for introductory courses, it provides a solid foundation for the course's content.
Offers practical guidance for managing and working in virtual teams. It covers challenges and strategies related to communication, collaboration, decision-making, and building trust in distributed work environments, complementing the course's focus on group communication in virtual settings.
Save
Provides practical insights into the psychology of change and how to influence individuals and groups to adopt new behaviors. It complements the course's focus on fostering innovation and creativity within teams.
This textbook examines the cultural dimensions of communication and provides insights into how cultural differences can impact group interactions. It helps learners develop strategies for effective communication across cultures, promoting diversity and inclusion within teams.
Save
This classic work by Carl Jung provides insights into the psychological dynamics of groups. It explores the concepts of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and the shadow, offering valuable perspectives on the deeper motivations and behaviors that shape group interactions.
Save
Introduces systems thinking, a powerful tool for understanding complex interactions within groups and organizations. It provides a framework for analyzing and improving group dynamics and decision-making processes.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/mof8u2/teamwork
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Rating
4.7
Effort
Approx. 11 hours
Level
Introductory
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Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Matthew A. Koschmann, PhD
Language
English
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