Embedded Files
Materials
Materials
Strengths Assessment Tool: Such as CliftonStrengths or VIA Character Strengths.
Strengths Profiles: Printouts or digital copies of each participant’s strengths assessment results.
Team Profiles: Aggregated strengths profiles for each team.
Flip Charts and Markers: For group brainstorming and discussion.
Sticky Notes: For individual reflections and contributions.
Worksheets: For planning and recording insights.
Preparation
Preparation
Pre-Activity Assessment:
Prior to the activity, have participants complete a strengths assessment. Popular options include CliftonStrengths or the VIA Character Strengths survey.
Compile the results into individual strengths profiles and a team strengths profile.
Materials Setup:
Ensure all participants have access to their individual strengths profiles.
Prepare flip charts and markers in different areas of the room for group activities.
Have sticky notes and worksheets available for participants.
Activity Steps*
Activity Steps*
Introduction (5 minutes)
Briefly introduce the concept of strengths-based team building.
Explain the objective of the activity: to identify and leverage individual and collective strengths to build a cohesive and effective grant-seeking team.
Individual Reflection (10 minutes)
Hand out the individual strengths profiles to each participant.
Ask participants to review their strengths and reflect on the following questions:
Which of your strengths do you use most often in your current role?
How do these strengths help you contribute to the team’s success?
Which strengths would you like to develop further?
Group Discussion - Sharing Strengths (15 minutes)
Divide participants into small groups (4-5 members each).
In each group, have participants share their top strengths with one another.
Use sticky notes to write down each team member's top strengths and place them on a flip chart.
Discuss how each person’s strengths complement one another and how they can be leveraged in the grant-seeking process.
Strengths Mapping (20 minutes)
On the flip charts, create a strengths map for the team by categorizing the strengths shared by participants.
Identify areas where the team has strong capabilities and areas that might need development or support.
Discuss how to use these strengths in different phases of the grant-seeking process, such as program design, proposal writing, budgeting, and evaluation.
Team Strategy Development (20 minutes)
Each group creates a strategy for leveraging their collective strengths to tackle a real-life or fictional state grant opportunity (see the State Health Improvement Grant (SHIG) example below).
The strategy should include:
A plan for utilizing each team member’s strengths in specific tasks and roles.
Steps for addressing any identified gaps or weaknesses in the team.
Ideas for fostering continuous development and collaboration.
Presentations and Feedback (20 minutes)
Each group presents their strengths-based strategy to the entire cohort.
After each presentation, other participants and facilitators provide feedback, focusing on the effective use of strengths and suggesting improvements.
Discuss any common themes or insights that emerge from the presentations.
Debrief and Reflection (10 minutes)
Conduct a debrief session to reflect on the activity. Use the following questions to guide the discussion:
What did you learn about your own strengths and those of your team members?
How can you apply these insights to improve your grant-seeking efforts?
What strategies can you implement to ensure continuous strengths-based development in your team?
Action Planning (10 minutes)
Provide participants with worksheets to create an action plan for applying the strengths-based approach in their daily work.
Encourage them to set specific, measurable goals for leveraging their strengths in upcoming grant proposals and other team projects.
*time can be adjusted based on team needs and availability
Fictional State Grant Opportunity
Fictional State Grant Opportunity
Grant Name: State Health Improvement Grant (SHIG)
Grant Name: State Health Improvement Grant (SHIG)
Funder: State Department of Health
Grant Amount: Up to $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 years
Purpose: To improve health outcomes in underserved communities through innovative health programs.
Priorities:
Access to Healthcare: Programs that increase access to healthcare services in rural and underserved areas.
Preventive Health: Initiatives focusing on preventive health measures, including vaccination drives, health education, and screenings.
Chronic Disease Management: Projects aimed at managing and reducing the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Requirements:
Comprehensive program design with clear objectives and measurable outcomes.
Detailed budget with justification for each expense.
An evaluation plan outlining how the program’s impact will be measured.
Evidence of community partnerships and stakeholder engagement.
A communication plan for promoting the program and disseminating results.
Team Strategy Example:
Team Strategy Example:
Grant Writer (Strength: Communication): Leads the development of a compelling narrative for the proposal, ensuring clarity and alignment with grant priorities.
Program Manager (Strength: Strategic Planning): Designs a detailed and innovative health program that addresses community needs and maximizes impact.
Budget Coordinator (Strength: Analytical Thinking): Develops a precise and justifiable budget, ensuring all costs are accounted for and aligned with program activities.
Evaluator (Strength: Data Analysis): Crafts a robust evaluation plan with clear metrics and data collection methods to measure program success.
Executive Director (Strength: Leadership): Provides overall strategic direction, ensuring the proposal aligns with the organization’s mission and goals.
Communications Director (Strength: Public Relations): Develops a comprehensive communication strategy to engage stakeholders and promote the program’s impact.
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