Teams and Leaders - Teambuilding. Leadership Development. Effective Communication Skills.
Teams & Leaders - FAQs

The following questions and answers are provided for your convenience and we trust they will be helpful. We also encourage you to contact us at Teams & Leaders with any additional questions, concerns or inquiries. We look forward to hearing from you.

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TEAMBUILDING

What is provided in a Team Building program?
A team building program typically includes the following: one-on-one coaching with organizational sponsor or lead prior to the start of the program to define the goals, desired outcome, etc. and a one-hour "kick off" meeting with your group for preparation and planning; rental of the challenge course; buffet lunch; all day facilitation; and a one hour follow-up meeting with participants afterwards to review learning and discuss application.

What is a challenge course?
A challenge course (sometimes referred to as a ropes course) is an outdoor facility and/or program designed for group learning. Our challenge course, located at the north end of Lake Washington, is equipped with a number of problem solving initiatives designed to challenge individuals and stimulate group interaction. Our highly skilled facilitators provide the structure, assure safety, lead discussions and provide feedback.

How does an experience in a Team Building program carry over to the real work environment?
By taking people outside of the work environment and running them through a series of exercises designed to stimulate group interaction, people are able to see more clearly how their group is working together (or not), and how their behavior is contributing to the group's success - or taking away from it. It is our experience in over ten years in this business, that people tend to "bring themselves with them", and behaviors exhibited on the course tend to be the same as those that show up in the office. Our highly skilled facilitators work with your team to help individual's identify these behaviors for themselves, and then relate the learnings back to the office place.

How large a group can you accommodate?
For the most part, as large a group as desired. The larger the group the more facilitators we provide, and we run the day's events in shifts - sometimes working together as a large team and at other times breaking up into smaller groups, moving people around allowing most everyone to get the chance to work together. For groups larger than 50, we can schedule the training over multiple days.

Is it seasonal?
For the most part, no - living in the Northwest, we work with groups rain or shine. Much of the day is spent under the cover of trees, which offers some protection from the drizzle, and we find the rain just doesn't seem to impact the experience. The only time we would cancel due to weather would be a heavy snow or lightening storm, and we would then reschedule at a mutually agreeable time.

Who should participate?
Any team looking to have fun, challenge themselves and examine the way they think about organizations and leadership. For the greatest impact, we suggest that the team sponsor and/or leaders participate with their team, but this is not a requirement.

Are there any physical limitations?
For the most part, almost any one can attend. Our belief is 'challenge by choice', which means if someone is not comfortable or able to participate in an activity for any reason - be it physical or other - we support that decision. We then offer ways that the individual can participate in less physical ways - observing and providing feedback, coaching, etc.

How long are the programs?
One to five days, with most averaging two or three.

What is the cost?
Like many things, it depends - on the size of the group, the number of days, etc. Please contact us at Teams & Leaders to discuss.

How do I obtain more information and/or schedule a training?
Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.


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Critical Conversations

What's unique about your approach to dealing with conflict?
We look at conflict not as a power struggle, something to be scared of or something to avoid; but rather as a learning opportunity. Through personal introspection, conflict style awareness, mutual inquiry, and peer coaching we provide participants with real tools to use and a safe structure in which to practice their new skills.

How will this training benefit me and my organization?
Successful, working relationships between people are critical to any organization's success. By providing employees with the tools and confidence to address those hard to have conversations, disagreements can be resolved, relationships can improve, and your organization as a whole can more effectively engage its resources.

What assessments are utilized?
We are certified to deliver a number of reputable assessment tools related to personal interaction and conflict. Depending on your group's needs we can recommend a variety of individual assessment tools.

Where does the program take place?
This program can be delivered on-site at your organization or in an off-site, retreat venue of your choice.

How long are the programs?
One to three days, depending on your organization's needs and desires.

What is the cost?
Like many things, it depends - on the size of the group, the number of days, etc. Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.

How do I obtain more information and/or schedule a training?
Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.


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LEADERSHIP AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage ourselves and our relationships effectively. It is increasingly becoming recognized as a key competency - in conjunction with IQ and business/technical expertise - for a leader to be successful.

What assessments are utilized?
We are certified to deliver a number of reputable assessment tools which measure emotional intelligence. Depending on your group's needs and time availability, we can recommend either an individual assessment in which each individual rates his or her behavior in a number of different circumstances; or a 360° assessment in which peers, managers, direct reports and sometimes outside contacts such as customers or vendors provide input.

How will this training benefit me and my organization?
Emotional intelligence is not innate; rather, it is a learned ability that must be cultivated and strengthened. Increasing emotional intelligence can elevate the leadership capacity of valued players at any level of your organization - with direct as well as indirect benefits.

Where do the trainings take place?
This program can be delivered on-site at your organization or in an off-site, retreat venue of your choice.

How long are the programs?
One to five days, depending on your organization's needs and desires.

What is the cost?
Like many things, it depends - on the size of the group, the number of days, etc. Please contact us at Teams & Leaders

How do I obtain more information and/or schedule a training?
Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.


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ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS

What do you mean by "Organizational System"?
The culture, structure and 'unwritten rules' by which organizations operate. Other systems inherent in our world which impact who we are and how we behave include societal, ethnic, and family systems. In the business landscape, various systems may appear between teams, levels of management, or regional offices and being aware of the cultural norms and expectations within these systems can impact an organization's effectiveness.

How will this training benefit me and my organization?
By carefully examining the systems currently in place in your organization you can purposefully begin a path of change - reconstructing the structure and culture of your organization into one that is efficient, effective, people-oriented, and bottom-line driven.

Where do the trainings take place?
This program can be delivered on-site at your organization or in an off-site, retreat venue of your choice.

How long are the programs?
One to five days, depending on your organization's needs and desires.

What is the cost?
Like many things, it depends - on the size of the group, the number of days, etc. Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.

How do I obtain more information and/or schedule a training?
We would very much like hear from you and to discuss with you your organization's needs. Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.


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Signature Leadership Series

Want to learn more about our Signature Leadership Series?
Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.


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EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

What is an Executive Leadership Development program?
A six to twelve month program specifically designed for your leadership team to assess and improve leadership skills. The program consisting of ongoing leadership training, interactive group sessions, one or more application projects, expeditionary learning labs and individual coaching.

How will this training benefit me and my organization?
Our Executive Leadership Development program is designed to take your management team to the next level. It can create synergy among participants, transform valued employees into key performers, motivate individuals, and increase overall organizational health. The impact is direct on the participants, but as they implement the learning and practice their new skills, the effects will be felt throughout your organization.

Where do the trainings take place?
This ongoing program can be delivered at a variety of locations including the Team & Leaders Challenge Course, on-site at your organization or in an off-site, retreat venue of your choice.

How long are the programs?
They average six to twelve months, depending on your organization's needs and desires.

What is the cost?
Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.

How do I obtain more information and/or schedule a program?
Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.


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Coaching

What do you mean by "coaching"?
Coaching in this context, is a management term used to describe a personalized leadership training and support program designed to challenge an individual to explore and increase their leadership capacity. It is meant to augment a leader's natural abilities and skills while bringing attention to and providing support in areas needing enhancement. It can be appropriate in times of organizational intervention and to address performance challenges.

Why would I engage an executive coach?
Individuals who are interested in improving their leadership potential might engage an executive coach to provide them with honest feedback on their management style and abilities (something leaders don't always receive from their own employees); or they might want to work on a specific area utilizing the coach to set structured goals, monitor progress, provide feedback and increase personal accountability. Executive coaches are also engaged by management to work with a specific individual or a team to overcome disruptive patterns and behaviors which are preventing the organization from achieving its potential.

What does a typical coaching contract look like ?
A coaching contract is customized for each engagement. It generally consists of a series of one-on-one sessions over a period of time that supports a leader or team of leaders - through individual professional growth, in interactions with managers and peers, and in the work they are doing with their teams.

Where do the coaching session take place?
Sessions can either be conducted by phone or at a location of your choice.

How long are typical coaching contracts?
They can vary from a few one-hour sessions to on ongoing contract.

What is the cost?
Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.

How do I obtain more information and/or schedule a coaching session?
Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.


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OPEN ENROLLMENT

What is Open Enrollment?
A chance for individuals to attend the programs we typically deliver exclusively to teams.

Can a intact team or organizational group attend an Open Enrollment training?
Our Open Enrollment programs are designed for individuals. If you have more than two or three individuals from your organization who wish to attend the same Open Enrollment program, please contact us to evaluate your options - it may be more beneficial to your organization, (not to mention more cost effective) to consider bringing the training in house. Please contact us at Teams & Leaders.

What Open Enrollment programs do you offer?
Many of our existing programs are also available to individuals in an open enrollment format. Please visit our Registration Tool and select the open enrollment program dropdown list to view current offerings.

How often are programs offered?
Our Open Enrollment programs are offered at various times throughout the year. Please visit our Registration Tool and select the open enrollment program dropdown list to view current offerings and dates.

What is the cost for an individual to attend an Open Enrollment program?
Costs differ depending on the program. Please contact us at Teams and Leaders to find out current offerings and prices.

How do I register for an Open-Enrollment program?
Please visit our Registration Tool and select the open enrollment program dropdown list to register for one of the available programs, or contact us at Teams & Leaders.

 

 
 

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