Appendix List
This Appendix provides a number of tools, resources and information the Team may find helpful in its work. Each item is described briefly below.
Stages of Teams
Description
Teams generally start out as ‘a group of individuals’. When that group has come together to form a Team for a specific purpose, such as strategic planning, they morph into a Team over time. The Stages of Teams can help a team identify where they are in the process of evolving from a ‘group’ into a ‘team’.
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
Useful for all Strategic Planning Steps. The Team is wise to stay in touch with the cohesiveness of the Team. The Team’s level of commitment to the implementing the plan, feeling shared ownership for the work and synergistically working together impacts how effectively they will be able to make systems change that endures.
Stages of Teams – Indicators of Effectiveness Checklist
Description
A discussion tool to use in determining where the Team is in achieving high performance. Can be used to identify the Team’s strengths and areas to improve
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
All Steps – Especially useful for continuous improvement discussions
Stages of Teams – Discussion Guide
Description
A tool for the Team to use to take notes for their discussion to accompany the Indicators of Effectiveness Checklist
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
All Steps
10 Characters You May Have Met in a Meeting
Description
Takes a light-hearted look at meeting disrupters and other behaviors associated with ineffective Team members
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
All Steps – Useful for reviewing Team operations, especially when interpersonal issues arise.
Communication Skills for Effective Facilitation
Description
Tips for improving the communication that occurs in group settings or meetings. Directed at those who are leading or facilitating discussions.
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
All Steps – Good companion to all discussions among Team members.
Non-Verbal Communication
Description
The non-verbal cues people give can be the loudest message in the room. Reading those cues is critical to Team cohesion and the productivity of meetings. This document provides cues to reading body language and strategies to address it in suitable ways.
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
All Steps – Especially when looking to improve the functioning of the Team.
Problem Solving Strategies
Description
Details the processes for the 5 Whys and SWOT discussions
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
Step 1, 2 and 4. Good review during Step 5 as well
Team Building Strategies
Description
Details Brainstorming, Consensus Building and Conflict Resolution processes and strategies
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
All Steps – Strategies can be built into any Team discussion.
Meeting Logistics
Description
How the Team determines it will operate is crucial to the success and effectiveness of its efforts. Lists strategies and processes for setting up efficient and effective ways for Teams to conduct business
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
May be especially useful as the Team first comes together, before engaging in any of the Steps. Useful for review anytime the Team feels unproductive.
Leadership Skills
Description
Lists 10 Skills for Effective Leaders and Tips for each
Aligned with Strategic Planning Steps
All Steps – Useful to review as a Team as a way to encourage equal participation of all members