Lesson 1 Overview

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Hello and welcome to WFED 880, Facilitating Groups and Teams! The overall objective of this course is to explore the foundational theories related to teams in organizations, and to analyze contemporary concepts, models, research and innovations related to improving teamwork in today's business environment. After completion of this course you will have the necessary skills and competencies to assess and facilitate team development by understanding the cultural, organizational, behavioral and environmental factors affecting teams. You will also be able to discuss and apply innovative models and methods designed to improve overall team performance. It is important to understand that success in this course is not only dependent upon your individual work, but is highly correlated to your active participation in the team environment and in the blog discussions.

Lesson 1 will introduce the characteristics and differences between groups and teams, explain the historical trend of groups/teams, discuss how teams are used in organizations, define the role of the facilitator, and allow you to become acquainted with your team members for this course. This lesson will also explain current research related to the importance of communication trends among teams.

Lesson Objectives

After successfully completing this lesson, you should be able to do the following:

• describe the characteristics of groups and teams in organizations,
• differentiate between groups and teams,
• explain how and why teams are used by organizations,
• identify how the study of group dynamics has evolved over time,
• describe the role of the facilitator, and
• learn about your teammates.

Lesson Readings & Activities

By the end of this lesson, make sure you have completed the readings and activities found in the Lesson 1 Course Schedule.