đź“‹ Structure & Components
1. Pre‑Session Preparation
Clarify session objectives (e.g. conflict resolution, alignment, alliance-building).
Share foundational materials and outline the agenda.
Establish virtual norms: confidentiality, confidentiality, safety, consent to participate.
2. Opening
Welcome and icebreaker to build psychological safety.
Set ground rules, engagement expectations, and technical checks.
3. Core Collaborative Work
Use facilitated discussions, issue‑resolution exercises, or strategic alignment conversations.
Integrate techniques like emotional‑intelligence mapping, role clarification, shared value workshops, and “sense‑making” dialogues.
Leverage breakout rooms (e.g. in Zoom) for small‑group discussion, then reconvene to share insights.
4. Connection Activities
Apply trust‑building tools such as Wharton’s “Fast Friends” if appropriate — structured self‑disclosure activities in pairs or trios help establish authenticity and affinity quickly.
Provide opportunities for both task‑oriented and relational interaction.
5. Debrief & Reflection
Reconvene in plenary to reflect on learnings.
Share personal takeaways, areas of progress, and unresolved challenges.
6. Action Planning
Co-create next steps, alignment on responsibilities, shared goals, and follow‑up processes.
Optionally capture agreements in a digital “partnering charter.”
7. Closing
Summarize key insights, reinforce commitments, and invite feedback.
8. Post‑Session Follow‑Up
Share session notes, decisions, and a short survey to check on trust, alignment, progress.
Optionally in several weeks, schedule a check‑in to reinforce momentum.
đź’ˇ Why This Approach Works
Team Partnering emphasizes conversation as the driver of synergy—combining the art of engagement with emotional intelligence to transform conflict into productive dialogue and build trust across stakeholders. Incorporating structured icebreakers and breakout exchanges (like Fast Friends) enhances relational depth in remote environments.
