How Coalitions Work: Developing and Maintaining Effective Workgroups

Date: May 28 and 30, 1:00-4:00 pm (5.5 contact hours)

Presenter: Allison Sharer

Most of us have to lead work groups at some point in our career. Often, we simply repeat the role as we have seen others do it. But there is an art and a bit of science to fostering truly collaborative and productive work groups. Join us in this interactive, discussion-focused training as we explore how to avoid common pitfalls by attending to group development and maintenance, including collaboration, leadership, membership, decision-making, teamwork, and facilitation. Participants will engage in group discussion and interactive activities as we explore these topics over the course of two afternoons.

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify the stages and phases of group development.
2. Explore group development and maintenance through collaboration, leadership, membership, decision-making approaches, and teamwork.
3. Understand the spheres of conflict, which are a natural part of work groups.
4. Identify the five keys to facilitating effective meetings.
5. Assess their use of the seven areas of inquiry that lead to meaningful discussions.
6. Identify common work group pitfalls and steps to avoid them.