Leading Workgroups That Work: Equipping Professionals to Chair, Facilitate, and Drive Results Course

Module 1: Foundations of Effective Workgroups and Meeting Preparation

• Review course expectations, structure, and learning goals through the welcome and course overview.
• Identify the characteristics of an effective workgroup and recognize how workgroup dynamics may differ in virtual environments.
• Examine team performance and group dynamics through an overview of the Team Performance Model and related debrief activities.
• Differentiate between the roles and responsibilities of the facilitator and the chair and understand how they work together to support group effectiveness.
• Prepare for workgroup meetings by reviewing simulation scenarios and practicing how to prepare for and meet with the convener.

Module 2: Communication Skills, Norm Setting, and Decision Making

• Reflect on initial learning and prepare for continued application through check-in, preparation, and day one reflections.
• Apply foundational language and communication skills by exploring communication styles, neuroscience, and common triggers that influence group interactions.
• Practice leading introductions and establishing productive group norms through preparation, simulation, and debrief of a workgroup meeting.
• Use communication techniques that move conversations forward, including reframing strategies that support clarity and progress.
• Apply charting best practices, including techniques for charting effectively in virtual environments.
• Practice guiding workgroup decision making and developing a clear statement of purpose through simulation and debrief.
• Conclude the day with reflection, closing discussion, and facilitator debrief.

Module 3: Managing Group Dynamics and Advancing Issues

• Reflect on prior learning and prepare for continued practice through check-in, preparation, and day two reflections.
• Identify and respond to challenging behaviors by examining style differences, managing behaviors in virtual settings, and participating in guided practice and debrief.
• Practice clarifying issues within a workgroup setting through preparation, simulation, and debrief.
• Strengthen charting skills through continued practice and group debrief.
• Facilitate movement on issues through structured preparation, simulation, and debrief of a workgroup meeting.
• Apply advanced language and communication techniques by practicing how to stay centered, maintain focus, and use silence effectively.

Module 4: Action Planning, Finalization, and Integration

• Reflect on previous practice and prepare for final application through check-in, preparation, and day three reflections.
• Apply advanced communication techniques that support slowing down conversations and staying with the group during complex discussions.
• Practice leading action planning through structured preparation, simulation, and debrief.
• Guide the final stages of a workgroup process through preparation, simulation, and debrief focused on finalizing outcomes and renewal.
• Integrate course learning through a final debrief that includes reflection on simulations, key takeaways, course closeout, and evaluations.