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The Open University

Difference and challenge in teams

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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This free course looks at how teams ‘travel’ together on a journey of development. Those journeys are hardly ever smooth. The course encourages you to recognise difference and challenge amongst individuals in the team who are pulling in different directions. It will help you identify where such challenges can be embraced for the benefit of your team and your organisation.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 The river basin and the bee colony
  • 1 The river basin and the bee colony
  • 2.1 The river basin
  • 1.2 The bee colony
  • 2 ‘Meetings often descend into all-out war!’
  • 2 ‘Meetings often descend into all-out war!’
  • 2.1 Encouraging healthy dialogue
  • 3 ‘X wants one thing, Y wants another, Z yet another – they’re all too obstinate to give way!’
  • 3 ‘X wants one thing, Y wants another, Z yet another – they’re all too obstinate to give way!’
  • 4 ‘Is compromise good enough?’
  • 4 ‘Is compromise good enough?’
  • 5 Dialectical approaches
  • 5 Dialectical approaches
  • 6 ‘We need to stretch ourselves’
  • 6 ‘We need to stretch ourselves’
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

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Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

4.3 rating at OpenLearn based on 30 ratings

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  • Profile image for Enrique Enriquez
    Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
    22
    This course offered a rich, thought-provoking journey into team dynamics, conflict resolution, and collaborative leadership. Through vivid metaphors and practical frameworks like dialectical inquiry and idea advocacy, it reframed conflict as a catalyst for innovation. I especially appreciated the emphasis on constructive dialogue, flexible management, and redefining goals based on team strengths. The activities were engaging and applicable, encouraging reflection and real-world action. A must for anyone seeking to lead with empathy, strategy, and creativity.
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