Approaches to Training cont'd

DOE-HDBK-1202-97

There is no one best way to do team building. One approach is to deal with actual problems

in the work setting. This approach may focus more on group facilitation than on individual

skills training. From the beginning, the group learns to reflect on how it has previously

approached its work and to make plans for how to do it better. Upon completion of a task,

the group reflects again on what went well and what did not, and why. When a group is able

to productively reflect on its experience and to formulate and test out potential means of

improvement, they are showing the results of substantial team development. The learning

process is an ongoing one. Learning about themselves as a team and finding ways to

improve that learning process over time becomes a regular part of how they function.

Another approach (the one in this guide) is to begin team training with a focus on individual

skills, and then progress to focusing on the performance of the team as a whole. Efforts to

deal with the team as a whole may begin with role-playing and simulations before being

moved into the actual work setting.

Training in teamwork fundamentals should be presented to enable trainees to develop and

demonstrate basic skills before progressing to more advanced skills. Information from

supervisor training may be used as a building block to provide fundamental training in team

skills. The DOE Guide to Good Practices for Developing and Conducting Case Studies and

the DOE Handbook: Implementing U.S. Department of Energy Lessons Learned Program

can be used as references when developing case studies and role-play exercises for the

teamwork and diagnostic training. Teamwork fundamentals training should enable the

trainee to:

Demonstrate ability to make his/her own thinking explicit and open to inquiry

from others. The trainee should support a position while inviting others to

question the assumptions upon which their position is based

Demonstrate effective skills in verbal and nonverbal communications,

including listening

Interact effectively with different personality types

Delegate tasks effectively

Coordinate successful completion of tasks

Deal successfully with abnormal behavior

Demonstrate techniques for praising and reprimanding personnel