Facing change--preparing for the future.

Abstract

This case study demonstrates that team development takes time. It involves interpersonal skill development for staff members, management training, and specific team building sessions after the teams form. It is crucial that the specific content of training for managers, staff members, team leaders, and team members evolves from an assessment of organizational needs coupled with involvement of all levels of the department. You may ask if this entire process has made a difference. Yes, it has. Staff members are beginning to be more open and honest with one another regarding issues detrimental to the group process. Above all, team leaders and staff are assuming responsibility together for the workload and process improvement. Implementing the team process without proper training and assessment is sure to fail. Yet we must continue to work and shape the team process toward the final level of self-direction.