Building Team Connections in a Health Sciences Library Using the DiSC® ProfileNancy Allee, AHIP, Deputy Director, and Jane Blumenthal, AHIP, Director, Health Sciences Libraries,

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Medical Library Association Annual Conference, Chicago, IL May 2008

Team Building Workshop #2

Purpose● Increase knowledge of team culture.● Explore challenges and develop recommendations about achieving excellence with our internal and external users

Team Building Workshop #2

Exploring group culture ● What are the elements that contribute to our group culture?● How has our field of work been changing in recent years? ● What is expected of us now (by users and leadership)?

Group culture report● Which styles predominate?● What behaviors are typically valued? ● What seems logical about what we see?

Scenarios: common situations we face that set context forour culture

● How do we each respond to these situations?● What can get in the way of achieving excellence?● What suggestions do we have for improvements or support?

DiSC® Group Culture Report

DiSC® Group Culture Report

Themes for Moving Forward

● Clarify shared vision● Be more efficient and more results focused● Identify collaborative partnerships ● Pursue grant funding opportunities● Know where we want to go and stay on track● Concentrate on our values that are also our strengths● Shift emphasis from collections to services● Be willing to adapt to changing technologies● Prioritize teamwork

DiSC® Dimensions

D = Dominance – characterized by quick decisions, direct answers, and a competitive atmosphereI = Influence – characterized by an energetic, enthusiastic, and optimistic atmosphere S = Steadiness – characterized by a stable, collaborative, and friendly atmosphere C = Conscientiousness – characterized by an atmosphere focused on quality, accuracy, and order

DiSC® Online Profile Instrument

The DISC profile instrument is designed to understand individual behavioral strengths and challenges as well as those of others; learn to value the differences and strengths of others; enhance teamwork and reduce team conflict; develop strategies and awareness to deal with diversity of people and their communication styles and needs; improve communication skills through determining communication styles; and enhance and develop coaching and mentoring skills.

Recommendations

Establish project-based approaches to planning whereby cross-unit teams are assembled on an ad-hoc basis to work on specific projects and priorities.Adopt a mix of timelines (quarterly, trimesters, bi-annual, annual) as appropriate, depending on specific projects and priorities and the work needed to complete them.Define a new model for liaison services, including establishing a team approach to carrying out specific projects that serve multiple audiences within the health sciences community.

Shared Vision

“The Health Sciences Libraries are a valued partner, fully integrated into the work of the university and providing leadership in knowledge management for education, research, patient care, and community service.”

Library

Abstract

This project profiles a staff development initiative in an academic health sciences library. An eight-member planning group helped coordinate the overall project. Two workshops, focusing on team building and communication, were held for a group of forty staff, following the completion of the DISC online profile instrument. Analysis of the resulting individual profiles and group culture report helped facilitate the building of a positive, effective, and efficient work environment.  

Team Building Workshop #1

Purpose● Increase knowledge of each other’s communication and workstyle preferences.● Forecast areas to discuss or improve about team communication as it relates to achieving our goals.

Team Building Workshop #1

● Background on the DiSC instrument and the 4 dimensions.● Strengths and benefits of individual styles.● What behaviors we see from others when they are under stress.● Achilles’ heel – what individuals wish could be different about themselves.● What individual behaviors or interactions are hardest to deal with.● Paired learning conversations with “opposites” in style.