Managing High Performing Teams

S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research via Coursera

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Overview

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This MOOC is designed to equip learners with the essential skills and strategies needed to manage high-performance teams effectively. Focusing on team dynamics, trust, and collaboration, the course provides practical tools for building trust, fostering accountability, and ensuring sustained team success. Learners will explore key topics such as creating a shared vision, developing team roles, and navigating challenges in both virtual and in-person settings. Through case studies, real-world examples, and interactive exercises, participants will understand how to drive results, enhance team cohesion, and manage diverse personalities. Whether you are a team leader or an aspiring manager, this course will prepare you to cultivate resilient, productive, and engaged teams that excel in achieving organizational goals. By the end of the course you will be able to: 1. Analyze the stages of team development to assess team maturity and identify strategies for guiding teams through each phase to foster psychological safety and high performance. 2. Evaluate team communication strategies by comparing the effectiveness of active listening, open-ended questioning, and constructive feedback techniques in enhancing team collaboration and relationship-building. 3. Identify functional and dysfunctional conflicts and implement strategies that transform conflict into opportunities for team innovation. 4. Critically analyze the role of continuous improvement in maintaining high team performance, and design systems for ongoing feedback, performance metrics, and team motivation that align with both team and organizational objectives. 5. Interpret the dynamics of psychological safety within teams and propose actionable strategies for fostering trust, openness, and vulnerability that support a high-performing and innovative team environment.

Syllabus

Course Orientation

Navigating the workplace is complex, especially when stellar performance does not depend on you alone but on the team that you are managing. Effective leading often requires changing one’s behavior by understanding one’s self-concept, beliefs and attitudes. While most people recognize that this implies adjusting mindsets, there is a need to address the root causes of why we behave the way we do. Becoming aware of our underlying patterns of thoughts, feelings, and action is usually a precondition of behavioral change. The modern-day challenges with respect to the sustainability and growth of a business demand self-aware leaders who can influence and impact others and businesses. The volatile and complex business landscape and diverse composition of teams in hybrid working modes have further complicated the manager’s playbook. Stepping back and looking at an organization's critical process flows helps bring a solution-oriented approach toward achieving one’s goals. Therefore, there is a need to develop leaders who have keen insights into their intrinsic strengths and continuously hone their skills to lead others while striving for professional excellence and personal growth.

Foundations of High-Performance Teams

In this module, first-time managers will explore the essential characteristics that define high-performing teams and the stages teams undergo as they develop and grow. Through the lens of Tuckman’s model, participants will learn how to support their teams through the Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing stages, gaining insights into the critical role managers play in fostering a safe and productive environment. We will examine diverse team roles and dynamics, illustrating how each member’s unique contributions enhance overall performance. Additionally, this module will provide managers with practical strategies for setting clear team goals and aligning expectations from the outset, establishing a solid foundation for sustained high performance. Through real-world scenarios and interactive exercises, participants will leave with actionable techniques to lead and nurture high-performing teams effectively.

Effective Communication and Feedback

This module equips first-time managers with essential skills to build a team culture centered on open communication, feedback, and empathy. Participants will learn foundational communication techniques, such as active listening and open-ended questioning, to foster collaboration and inclusivity within their teams. Moving beyond basic feedback methods, the module delves into creating a feedback-rich environment where team members feel psychologically safe to share and receive constructive insights. Additionally, the module explores coaching as a developmental tool, offering managers strategies to guide individual growth effectively. Finally, participants will gain practical tools for handling difficult conversations with empathy and emotional intelligence, learning to manage both their own and others’ emotions in challenging interactions. Through case studies, reflections, and actionable insights, managers will be prepared to communicate effectively and build trust within their teams.

Conflict Resolution and Managing Team Dynamics

This module equips first-time managers with the skills to recognize, address, and resolve conflicts within their teams, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Participants will learn to distinguish between functional and dysfunctional conflicts and understand how each can impact team dynamics. The module introduces practical conflict resolution techniques, such as the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Model, to guide managers in addressing conflicts constructively. Managers will explore strategies to proactively promote healthy team dynamics, encourage open communication, and maintain mutual respect among team members. Additionally, the module offers tools to rebuild trust and cohesion following conflicts, helping managers to restore and strengthen team alignment. Through scenario analysis, reflection, and actionable strategies, participants will be well-prepared to handle conflicts and maintain a harmonious team environment.

Sustaining High Performance and Continuous Improvement

This module equips first-time managers with strategies to maintain high performance within their teams while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Participants will learn how to set up systems for regular evaluation and improvement, using performance metrics and goal tracking to monitor progress. The module emphasizes the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, where team members view challenges as learning opportunities. Managers will also explore ways to sustain motivation and engagement, celebrate team successes, and reflect on areas for growth. Through practical strategies and actionable insights, this module provides managers with the tools to keep their teams motivated, aligned, and performing at their best over time.