Creating and Leading Team Dynamics: Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Team Dynamics

This course, "Creating and Leading Team Dynamics," explores the psychological and organizational principles underlying effective teamwork in modern organizations. It emphasizes the unique skills required for team leadership and participation, contrasting them with individual work. The curriculum integrates foundational management theories, psychological concepts, and practical applications to foster high-performing teams.

• Team Functioning: Focuses on the role of teams as executive functions and the challenges of developing effective communication and collaboration.

• Skill Development: Students build skills in creativity, conflict resolution, accountability, and performance management.

• Self-Reflection: Encourages students to reflect on their own team behaviors to improve influence and team dynamics.

Course Goals / Learning Outcomes

Key Learning Objectives

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of team dynamics, including:

• Communication Styles: Analyze and apply effective communication strategies within teams.

• Conflict Resolution: Learn methods for resolving interpersonal and task-related conflicts.

• Accountability: Establish and maintain accountability within team settings.

• Performance Management: Assess and improve team performance using evidence-based approaches.

• Self-Evaluation: Develop skills for self-assessment and reflection on team contributions.

Additional info: These outcomes are grounded in psychological theories of group behavior, motivation, and leadership.

Mode of Attendance & Participation Policy

Expectations for Student Engagement

Class meetings are held via Zoom, requiring active participation, discussion, and dialogue. Students are expected to attend all sessions, arrive on time, and contribute to team-based discussions.

• Pre-Class Preparation: Complete assigned readings and be ready to discuss topics.

• Participation: Engage thoughtfully, ask questions, and contribute to group discussions.

• Professional Environment: Attend from a safe, appropriate location and dress professionally.

Team Meetings

Collaborative Work and Project Completion

From Week 5 onward, students will work in teams to complete projects and assignments. Team meetings are essential for planning, communication, and task execution.

• Self-Management: Teams are responsible for organizing meetings and dividing tasks.

• Goal Setting: Teams set objectives, manage conflict, and monitor performance.

• Self-Evaluation: Members reflect on their contributions and team processes.

Assignments & Grading

Assessment Structure

• Team Projects (60%): Two major projects—Team Agreement and Intervention/Workshop/Tool Design for Case Study—each worth 30%. Projects involve analysis, discussion, and written submissions.

• Individual Assignments (40%): Includes a Reflection Commentary (10%), Skill Development Proposal (10%), and a Final Reflection Paper (30%).

Additional info: Assignments are designed to assess both individual understanding and collaborative skills, reflecting psychological principles of group learning and performance.

Course Materials

Required Textbook

• Making the Team – A Guide for Managers, 6th Edition by Leigh L. Thompson

• ISBN: 9780134484204

• Publisher: Pearson

This textbook provides evidence-based strategies for team leadership, design, and performance, integrating psychological research and real-world applications.

Selected Readings

• Journal articles and case studies available via Harvard Library and Canvas.

• Additional brief articles may be assigned or substituted.

Community Charter

Ethical Standards and Academic Integrity

Students are expected to uphold the Harvard University Division of Continuing Education's standards of trust, cooperation, mutual understanding, and learning. Academic integrity is strictly enforced, with policies addressing responsible use of sources and prohibiting academic misconduct.

• Respectful Communication: Engage with peers and instructors respectfully in all forms of communication.

• Academic Integrity: Adhere to university policies regarding citation, plagiarism, and responsible scholarship.

AI Technologies Policy

Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

Students are prohibited from using generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) for assignments, except for team collaboration where explicitly allowed. The goal is to develop personal skills in research, analysis, and teamwork.

Summary Table: Grading Breakdown

Assessment Type	Weight	Due Date
Team Project 1: Team Agreement	30%	Week 8 (10/22/25)
Team Project 2: Intervention/Workshop/Tool Design	30%	Week 15 (12/10/25)
Reflection Commentary	10%	Week 2 (09/10/2025)
Skill Development Proposal	10%	Week 10 (10/28/2025)
Final Reflection Paper	30%	Week 15 (12/16/2025)

Key Psychological Concepts in Team Dynamics

Relevant Theories and Applications

• Group Cohesion: The degree to which team members are attracted to the group and motivated to remain part of it.

• Social Loafing: The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group compared to working alone.

• Conflict Resolution: Strategies for managing interpersonal and task-related disagreements within teams.

• Leadership Styles: Various approaches to leading teams, including transformational and transactional leadership.

• Communication Patterns: The flow of information and feedback within teams, affecting performance and satisfaction.

Example: A team leader uses active listening and constructive feedback to resolve a conflict between team members, fostering a collaborative environment and improving group performance.

Conclusion

This syllabus provides a comprehensive guide to the study of team dynamics, integrating psychological principles, management strategies, and practical skills for effective teamwork. Students are expected to engage actively, uphold academic integrity, and apply course concepts to real-world organizational challenges.