Toolbox Talk Workshop - Building Stronger Teams Through Collaborative Agreements
Developed by two unique experts in public works and engineering, communication and mediation, the tool box talk workshop “Building Stronger Teams Through Collaborative Agreements" offers a practical framework for enhancing teamwork, focusing on communication, trust-building, and creating actionable agreements that promote a more cohesive and productive work environment.
Facilitator expertise
This process of collaboration is further guided by the expertise of the workshop facilitators. Their background in conflict resolution allows them to guide participants through challenging conversations, helping them stay within their window of tolerance while navigating complex team dynamics. By fostering a safe environment for open discussion, facilitators enable teams to address issues constructively and develop sustainable agreements that work for everyone.
Building high-performing teams in engineering and public works environments requires effective communication, mutual trust, and the ability to address challenges collaboratively.
​Collaborative agreements for stronger and more efficient teams
High quality agreements enhance task execution, interpersonal interactions, and overall well-being in a team. Agreements can help teams to overcome or avoid conflicts, as solutions are put in place to navigate voids (in human capacity, resources, predictability etc.) within a team’s functioning.
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Crucially, agreements need to be made collaboratively and in full agreement if the agreement is to be sustainable and robust. We use a concept called “window of tolerance” to help team members understand each others’ needs, willingness, and preferences, and to devise creative work arrangements that everyone has the capacity and commitment to uphold. We also teach teams what to do if an agreement falls down. This builds qualities of adaptability, responsiveness, and flexibility in a team, rather than rigidity.
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Through collaborative problem-solving, teams are empowered to define challenges, explore solutions, and create agreements that reflect their collective values and priorities. When issues arise, the tools from this workshop help teams to address them in a way that promotes mutual respect, reduces conflict, and strengthens relationships within the team. The result is a more harmonious work environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and engaged.
​5-step model for communication and perspective-taking
Openness, transparency, and empathy in communication helps to build understanding and trust within teams. This is crucial for effective teamwork. In this workshop we offer a powerful 5-step communication and perspective-taking model that teaches groups to articulate issues clearly while minimising blame and defensiveness within the group. The model is based on Marshall Rosenberg’s nonviolent communication framework which offers a best-practice framework for workplace communication. By respecting each individual's emotional bandwidth, teams can engage in constructive conversations, reducing the risk of conflict and building a cooperative environment.
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Takeaway: Pragmatic tools and skills
Ultimately, the "Toolbox Talks: Building Stronger Teams Through Collaborative Agreements" workshop equips engineering, technical and operational teams with skills to create stronger, more resilient teams by enhancing communication, fostering trust, and developing clear, actionable agreements that can be put in place immediately. Through clear communication and collaborative agreements, teams can reduce conflict, enhance performance, and cultivate a positive work culture.