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AnSc 3011:
Team Skills And
Collaboration
Tools
Megan Kocher

2. Who am I?
Megan Kocher
• Librarian for 3 departments:
– Food Science and Nutrition
– Animal Science
– Soil, Water, and Climate
• mkocher@umn.edu
• 612-625-3605

3. Stumbling Blocks for Group
Projects
• Vagueness
– What are we doing? Ideas?
– Who is doing what?
– When will each part be done by?
– Where will we keep research/documents?
• Communication
– Checking in
– Staying on topic
– Making decisions
– Dealing with conflict

4. Vagueness

5. Brainstorming
• Set up a specific time limit for the
brainstorming process
• Don’t evaluate or critique – let the ideas
flow
• Build on the thoughts of others
• Be creative and think big
What are we doing? Ideas?

6. Mind Mapping
What are we doing? Ideas?

7. Mind Mapping Tools
What are we doing? Ideas?
• MindMeister
• Xmind
• Freemind

8. Project Management
Who is doing what, and when?
• Make deadlines throughout the process
• Assign responsibilities
– The assigned team member doesn’t need to
do all the work … just make sure it gets done
on time
• Check in regularly
• Keep communication open

9. Project Management Tools
Who is doing what, and when?
• Google Docs
– Spreadsheet template
• Google Calendar
• Email
• Paper/Pen

10. Sharing Research
Where will we keep research/documents?
• Pick one place for your documents and
stick with it.
– Try to keep your project management
document in the same place.
– Make sure everyone can access the space.

11. Tools for Sharing Research
Where will we keep research/documents?
• Google Drive/Google Docs
– Create a shared folder
• Citation Managers
– Good if you’re working with a lot of
articles/citations
• DropBox
– Alternative to Google Drive

12. Communication

13. Communication Rules
Communication
• Clear guidelines can reduce miscommunications
that arise from assumption of communication
norms
• Examples: We will make decisions by
consensus, Each member will speak up if they
disagree

14. Communication Rules for Tasks
Communication Rules
• What are the expectations and deliverables for
the team?
• What does each member bring to the table?
• How will tasks be assigned?
From http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/toolkit/workgroup/forming/rules/index.html

15. Communication Rules for
Processes
Communication Rules
• What are the standards for meeting attendance,
promptness, and participation?
• What roles need to be filled (time keeper, note taker,
facilitator) and how will they be assigned?
• How will the group gather data and feedback from
team members and other stakeholders?
• What is the flow of communication?
• How will team members be held
accountable?
From http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/toolkit/workgroup/forming/rules/index.html

16. Communication Rules for
Norms
Communication Rules
• How will we make decisions?
• How will we problem-solve?
• How will we handle conflicts?
• How does the team define respectful behavior?
• How will people be held accountable?
• How do we communicate with each other (voice
mail, e-mail, etc.)?
From http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/toolkit/workgroup/forming/rules/index.html

17. Addressing a Problem
Communication Rules
• Address early; don't let the problem build. It's not fair to you, the
individual, or the team.
• Be specific with your examples.
• Be honest with yourself about the impacts of the behavior(s); is this
your personal standard or a need of the team?
• Be open to different work styles and approaches. Listen carefully to
the team member; try to understand their point of view.
• Keep the goals of the project in mind; stay focused on the big
picture.
• Distinguish between your observations (facts) and reactions
(personal response to a fact).
• Show your support to the individual.
From http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/toolkit/workgroup/storming/participation/index.html

18. Giving Feedback
Communication
• Focus on information and issues not feelings
• State observations, not interpretations
• Use I statements
• When possible, give in person.

19. Status Updates
Communication
• Keep your team informed about your progress.
• Set deadlines for check-ins.

20. Image Credits
Only 20 Seconds To Go… CC BY-NC-ND Jeff Wasson, Flickr
Funny sign: Tripping Hazard CC BY-NC-ND Jonathon Colman, Flickr
NPR Mind Map CC BY-ND Chris Gladis
True phone CC BY-NC-SA Florian Seroussi, Flickr