In the workplace, we tend to think of any group of individuals with a common task or goal as a team, and expect high performance from them. This has been a problem for many organizations because they have found that some, if not all, of their attempts to create teams did not yield the desired results.

But all groups of individuals don't behave in the same ways and there are reasons for that. The behavior of groups depends on many factors. The group functions, interpersonal relationships, and long term intentions are just a few variables that influence group dynamics

This workshop compares the various working groups from so-called "pick-up teams" used to quickly accomplish short term tasks to true teams that are permanent groups expected to perform important functions. Emphasis is placed on working groups because real and true teams are addressed in the workshop Self-Directed Team Development.

Workshop Participants Will Learn:

	How to decide on the type of working group best suited to the mission or task at hand.
	What to expect from the various working groups.
	Differences in managing and being managed as work groups and teams.
	An organizational perspective of working groups.
	Characteristics, benefits and risks associated with the various working groups.

Who Should Attend?

	Project and program managers who are usually dealing with work groups.
	Managers and supervisors who wish to understand the behavioral and performance expectations of different working groups and teams.
	Team leaders who must build cohesive relationships while getting the work done.
	Human Resource professionals who must advise group managers.

Workshop Format
This is a highly intensive, highly participative, half-day workshop. Cramby River workshops are designed with the adult learner in mind, and provide as much experiential learning as possible. Didactic material is balanced with interactive exercises, including case studies that are based on real-world situations. In this way, important concepts are reinforced through active participation and relevant problem solving. Additional reference material is available to participants in the form of white papers, reprints, additional case studies and bibliographies.

Workshop Content
The Dynamics of Groups
 The Basics of Group Development
 The Therapeutic Model
 The Organizational Model

The Group Performance Curve
 Work Groups for Task Focus
 Pseudo Teams Don't Make It
 Potential Teams Show Promise
 Real Teams Are All On the Same Ship
 True Teams for High Performance

Work Groups Versus Teams
 Choosing the Most Appropriate Model
 Comparing Characteristics
 Comparing Advantages & Disadvantages

A Focus on Work Groups
 Setting Realistic Expectations
 Operating Within Organizational Models

Work Group Communications
 Conflict and Resolution Expectations
 Understanding and Dealing with Agendas
 Making Meetings Work
 Communicating Inside and Outside the Group