Facilitating Team Collaboration in a Newly Formed Team
When a newly formed team begins working together, establishing a foundation for productive collaboration is crucial. Effective facilitation techniques can help the team explore how they can best work together.
Exam Question
In a newly formed team, several team members have friendly relationships, but have not worked together previously professionally. What do you do to help the team begin to creatively explore how they can productively work together?
(choose the best answer)
A. They should create a timeline together for the project.
B. Conduct a 1-2-4-All for the first Sprint Goal.
C. Have a team party.
D. Facilitate the creation of a working agreement with the team.
E. Conduct a shift & share of previous work experience.
Correct Answer
D. Facilitate the creation of a working agreement with the team.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D. Facilitate the creation of a working agreement with the team:
Facilitating the creation of a working agreement is essential in helping a newly formed team establish norms and expectations for collaboration. A working agreement includes guidelines on how team members will interact, communicate, and handle conflicts. This process encourages team members to voice their expectations and concerns, fostering a shared understanding and commitment to productive teamwork.
Why the Other Options Are Less Relevant
A. They should create a timeline together for the project:
While creating a project timeline is important, it focuses on the tasks and deadlines rather than the team’s collaborative process and dynamics.
B. Conduct a 1-2-4-All for the first Sprint Goal:
1-2-4-All is a great technique for generating ideas and building consensus, but it is more appropriate for specific discussions rather than setting foundational team agreements.
C. Have a team party:
Social activities like team parties can help build camaraderie but do not directly address professional collaboration and working agreements.
E. Conduct a shift & share of previous work experience:
Sharing previous work experiences can be valuable for understanding each other’s backgrounds but does not establish concrete agreements on how the team will work together moving forward.
Benefits of Creating a Working Agreement
- Clear Expectations: Establishing clear guidelines helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Enhanced Communication: Promotes open communication and sets the tone for how team members will interact.
- Shared Responsibility: Ensures all team members have a say in how they will collaborate, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.
- Conflict Resolution: Provides a framework for addressing conflicts constructively when they arise.
PSF Skills Exam Insights
Understanding the importance of creating a working agreement is crucial for the PSF Skills exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to facilitate foundational team-building activities that support effective collaboration and productivity.
Key Takeaways
- Facilitating the creation of a working agreement helps establish clear guidelines for team collaboration.
- Working agreements enhance communication, prevent conflicts, and foster a sense of shared responsibility.
- This facilitation technique is essential for newly formed teams to start their collaboration on the right foot.
Conclusion
Facilitating the creation of a working agreement is a critical step in helping newly formed teams establish productive working relationships. For more information on preparing for the PSF Skills exam, visit our Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills PSF Skills™ Exam Prep.
