Katz is enthusiastic about the Challenge Program. I'm really glad we have the R.O.P.E.S. program at the University. It's a useful tool for a lot of groups trying to put together teams. Stephanie Souter, a benefits representative and graduate student who is conducting research on cross-gender communication, presented a program on her findings, and lead a discussion of team experiences and how to approach them. Topics included guided problem-solving, the art of listening, understanding the elements of empathy and getting along as a group.
Success rests on everyone taking responsibility and being willing to share tasks.
Meet regularly as a group, at least once a month, to review problems and create solutions. If we used majority-vote decisions, there would always be someone who disagreed and would not contribute. Participants found the program energizing. Team Training Week was a dramatic demonstration of the powerful training that can be undertaken at little cost to the department. Katz says she ishappy to share ideas with departments interested in setting up a similar event.