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Staff Teambuilding: From Theory to Technique

NCJ Number
212773
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 67 Issue: 7 Dated: December 2005 Pages: 76-79
Author(s)
Rachel Anita Jung
Date Published
December 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how to gain the best outcome from teambuilding training in a correctional setting.
Abstract
Teamwork can greatly enhance staff members’ interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and project management skills. Team structures are increasingly being used in the correctional work environment and often include a variety of types of team members, including correctional staff, volunteers, citizens, and private contractors. Team conflict may get in the way of team productivity, and as such, it is important to confront any team problems swiftly by instituting teambuilding training sessions. The author discusses when to intervene in team problems by mandating teambuilding training and then focuses on how correctional agencies can ensure the most effective teambuilding training outcome. Although an outside trainer will likely be hired to facilitate the teambuilding training, it is crucial that correctional management be integrally involved in the training process. How to find and work with the right trainer is explored as the author underscores the importance of including the agency’s mission and goals as an integral part of the training. References