4-2 Communication in Teams

1. Course Introduction –Leaders rely on the participation, input and opinions of all the team participants. Everyone was selected in their role for a reason and we should share our others. Learning to speak up and encouraging others to open up are important to a team’s communication. Providing and receiving feedback is another critical component to the team atmosphere. In this course you’ll learn ways to communicate well, how to listen effectively, assert yourself and provide and receive feedback.
   


2. Course objectives
   Assist you in your communication, listening techniques, self assertion and utilizing feedback to improve the team productivity.
   


3. Pre-assessment of personal communication
   In this assessment the learner will be evaluated at their communication readiness level for the online course. The learners readiness for this information will also be reviewed after completing a self assessment of the learners willingness to change their communication behaviors. Based on the learners input the computer will review certain content before getting into the core material.
   


4. Content and training
   Basics of communication
   Essentials of communication
   Summative assessment of the material reviewed in the module
   Listening Techniques
   Listening assessment with role play.
   Self Assertion
   Summative assessment for assertion. The following statements are suggested verbiage for self assertion.
   Provide and receive feedback
   Pause module and think of an experience you witnessed that did not follow this model and how the feedback was handled.
   


5. Summative assessment for all the training content. Multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank and a free form field where the learner enters their text and interpretation of the material. “Compare and contrast” with the answers we have after you push “next.” Answers are provided and the learner is able to view their answers with the computer’s feedback.
   If the answer is correct, a reinforcement of their answer will assist them in continued knowledge with an explanation of why that answer is correct.
   If the answer is wrong the program will explain why they are wrong and ask them to try again. When it asks them to try again it doesn’t allow the person to get off without answering the question. Now you have their attention because they’ve missed the question. They will read carefully the second round.
   


6. Completion of the course
   Goal form the learner will fill out that will be sent to the learner’s leader for discussion in their following one-to-one meeting.
   For example: “ I will improve my communication through setting expectations before leaving the class to their work”
   “I will listen to others before I formulate a conclusion”
   “I will listen to the whole conversation prior to drawing my own conclusion.”
   “I will share my thoughts and feelings proactively rather than building them up inside.”
   


7. The leader is then sent an email with the course completion and development plan of the learner to follow up in a personal setting.

1. Purpose of the topic: Learning ways to communicate well, listen effectively, assert yourself and provide and receive feedback.

2. Anyone needing additional support in communicating in a public forum or team meeting. For this purpose I’m going to keep a broad audience so it is applicable to anyone who is interested.

a. Learner Strengths: Proven ability to improve processes, drive results for major business goals.

b. Weaknesses: This course is developed to assist people who may have additional opportunities for communicating, listening and providing necessary feedback.

c. Interests: Improving the experience of communicating with others d. Motivation: Better communication = improved success at work = more money = supporting hopes and dreams.

Learning goals

1. Improve communication with others when providing constructive feedback

2. Improve communication techniques to ensure understanding