When that happens, children, families, and communities are ill served. Team members must recognize the importance of dealing with the real source of conflict in a constructive manner. Team members who train together may find opportunities to discuss issues of mutual concern, both in the training itself and during social breaks. Spending time together away from the immediate and constant demands of the office provides a break during which the team can focus on its functioning. Moreover, team members hear the same information, which improves shared understanding of the challenges and solutions common during the investigation of reported child abuse.
Joint training can clarify understanding of mutual roles and responsibilities.
Figure 3 Rules for Effective Teamwork Identify a leader. Listen to one another. Be open to constructive criticism. Know respective abilities and limitations. Understand respective roles and responsibilities.