improving teamwork through better discussions
DESCRIPTION
Have you ever been to a team discussion or meeting and left thinking "what did we just talk about"? Unfortunately, most people who have worked in a team environment can relate to such a scenario! Team discussions that don't have some structure are at high risk of wasting people's time and achieving very little toward their company's objectives. Getting the most out of discussions is important for productive teamwork. Effective discussion skills can be learnt by all team members and shouldn't be left to the team leader to champion. This presentation looks at why discussion structure is important and five simple steps that anyone can take to improve the effectiveness of teamwork through better team discussions.TRANSCRIPT
How to improve teamwork through
better discussions
The problem with whiteboards
There is too much white -no structure
to make sense of
discussion! Blah, blah blah….
Blah, blah, blah….
Let’s add some structure: basic categorising
Isn’t all that
helpful
I agree…. Well, I don’t
agree….
Adding more structure: quadrants
Which corner are
you in?Beware…
quadrants can divide
rather than align
people…
I am up
here…
This corner is
better
You all don’t
get it…
I don’t get it…
Example frameworks: SWOT, Johari Window
Adding more structure: lifecycle
The life cycle… it
goes around
and around?
Let’s start
here…
Aren’t we
moving too
fast?
The client
wants us to
be here…
When will
we get to
here?I am feeling
dizzy…
Example framework: project lifecycle
Adding more structure: relational categorising
Relationships are now
appearing clearer!
Use a framework
that allows for both
categorising and also
understanding
relationships.
Example: McKinsey 7S
Example: Porter’s 5 forces
Adding more structure: problem solving
Highly focused and
allows for rapid
insights!
Use a problem solving framework that can allow
for understanding complex business
relationships and optimising them.
Example framework: Business Model Canvas
Adding more structure: business and people
Highly focused and
allows for rapid
insights! Use an
organisational
framework to
achieve buy-in
from
stakeholders of
change.
business
people
Example framework: 7 World Canvas
Why teamwork needs help from structure
There is no doubt… people
are complex…
…and we each have different
approaches to work.
I am not sure about this
new process – its too
complicated.
How will it affect my job?
What does that mean for
the company’s
bottom-line?
The structure solution
Add structure to your team’s discussions so that what is
talked about makes more sense and the conversation is
guided toward valuable outcomes.
Structure will help to make sense of
each other’s ideas and keep us on the
right path.Let’s give
it a go!Good idea.
What next – 5 steps to better team discussions
Step 1: Work related team discussions are good – have them
often!
Step 2: Keep a range of frameworks on-hand ready for your next
team discussion.
Step 3: Choose a fit-for-purpose framework to support the subject
matter of the discussion.
Step 4: Develop people in your team with the skills and knowledge
to use frameworks.
Step 5: Tell anyone and everyone about how great life can be with
a bit more structure during team discussions!
Created by Human Sparks
This presentation has been created by
Human Sparks Pty Ltd.
Human Sparks provides online tools (including
7 World Canvas) and consulting services in the
areas of strategy, change and organisational
effectiveness.
hsparks.com