Short description:

This lively and engaging text introduces readers to the core interpersonal and organizational skills needed to effectively collaborate on group projects in the classroom and the workplace.

Long description:

This lively and engaging text introduces readers to the core interpersonal and organizational skills needed to effectively collaborate on group projects in the classroom and the workplace.

Group projects are critical in preparing students for the realities of today?s workplace, but many college students despise group work?often because they have not been prepared with the necessary skills to effectively collaborate. This guide teaches core collaboration skills such as active listening, interviewing, empathy, and conflict resolution. It examines the research and theory behind these skills, and provides tangible ways to practice these skills both alone and in groups.

This guide can be used a supplementary text for any courses involving group projects, and will also be of interest to professionals in communication, business, and many other fields.

Successful group work is critical in both academia and workplaces. Interpersonal Skills for Group Collaboration is a practical and useful guide for anyone responsible for ensuring positive outcomes from group collaborations! ?? Jon Kaupla, President of the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional & Executive Development, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Rice-Bailey & Chong have provided a thorough yet entirely accessible text on building effective collaboration teams. Although thoroughly researched, it doesn?t clutter the students? reading experience by dragging them (usually kicking and screaming) through a pedantic explication of academic theories; instead, it distills those theories down into pragmatic, action-oriented strategies that they actually need. ?? Tharon W. Howard, Professor and Usability Testing Facility Director, Clemson University

Interpersonal Skills for Group Collaboration is a practical guide for those who are seeking advice and strategies to collaborate effectively and mindfully on teams made up of people with diverse backgrounds. Rice-Bailey and Chong provide an accessible set of best practices and recommendations for teamwork informed by research and professional experiences. ?? Jason Tham, Texas Tech University. Co-author (with Joe Moses), Collaborative Writing Playbook and Writing to Learn in Teams

Interpersonal Skills for Group Collaboration provides a clear roadmap for working productively with groups in multiple contexts. The many suggestions and explanations meet the timely challenges we are experiencing whether connecting in-person, in classes, in workspaces, or across distance." ?? Lee-Ann Kastman Breuch, Professor of Writing Studies, University of Minnesota

Table of Contents:

Introduction Chapter 1. Engaging in conversation Chapter 2. Listening Chapter 3. Conveying and monitoring nonverbal cues Chapter 4. Practicing empathy Chapter 5. Sharing ideas Chapter 6. Employing creativity Chapter 7. Managing conflict Chapter 8. Developing self-awareness Chapter 9. Making your meetings productive  Appendix A. Which shape are you? Appendix B. Pre-contract teamwork questionnaire