Working as a Team

Having all of the team members at the table does not always mean that the meeting will go smoothly and be productive. Team dynamics can affect the structure and process of the group and, ultimately, the ability of the CCoT to impact post school outcomes for students. It is recommended the team start by setting norms. These are guidelines that each member follows to allow for all members to participate, be heard and respected, and reflect. Team norms can set the pace for the meeting and should be reviewed at the beginning of each meeting. Each member should have a say in the norms. Examples of norms could be as follows:

• 1. Put away electronic devices, such as cell phones and laptops.

  2. Be respectful of others’ opinions and ideas.

  3. Listen to others completely before speaking.

  4. Use an object to identify the speaker and only the person with the object can speak.

  5. Be solution oriented – try to problem solve rather than create conflict.

Providing an agenda in advance of the meeting can aid participants in being prepared and can help the meeting move smoothly. Try to adhere to the timelines outlined in the agenda. It’s okay to put an item on hold and allow time for members to reflect on it. Offering a “parking lot” where individuals can place questions or concerns allows for further discussion at the end of the meeting or to be continued at a future meeting.

Recognize and address the dynamics of the team. Bruce Tuckman writes about the Five Stages of Team Development that was first developed in his research in 1965, but is still relevant and used with many teams today. Understanding these five stages can be important to a successful team and successful team leadership. (Tuckman, 1965)[1]

[1] Tuckman, B. W. (1965). Developmental sequence in small groups. Psychological Bulletin, 63(6), 384-399. doi:10.1037/h0022100

Image used with permission of owner. Copyright © 2008-2019 Scott M. Graffius.

CCoT Support: Wisconsin agencies have collaborated to offer additional assistance to the formation, operation, and success of CCoTs. There is an Interagency Agreement signed by the Department of Public Instruction, Department of Health Services and the Department of Workforce Development. This agreement commits agency resources and team participation to collaborative work groups, such as a CCoT. To see the Wisconsin Interagency Agreement, please visit https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dvr/partners/agreements/pdf/dpi-interagency-agreement.pdf.