This session builds on Elements of Team Functioning. Both sessions may be presented during a day-long training or presented separately over a short period (for example, presented in half-day sessions a week apart).

Enhancing Team Functioning covers strategies and tools to enhance team functioning. Participants will apply the five elements of team functioning and identify team development strategies. Participants will work in small groups to discuss how they might apply these strategies to the teams with which they work.

It is essential that facilitators thoroughly review all handouts, particularly “Building Effective Teams: Self Assessment and Strategy Guide for Enhancing Teamwork” (Handout #2), before presenting this session.

It is also important that facilitators have experience working with teams and have a basic understanding of group facilitation. Facilitators should discuss with the participants any unique challenges from scenarios they’ve discussed and explain how specific strategies might successfully address these challenges. Many of the teams will suggest going back to the mission and vision and conducting a self-assessment. It is helpful to have tried some of these strategies so you can extend the discussion.

Before the session starts, take the charts you collected from the teams during the previous session and post them on the walls so they can be referred to during this session.