When working across departments or organizations, we use both tactical tools (to move specific tasks or project items forward and streamline systems) and process tools (to improve the way the team functions). Process tools build interpersonal skills in communication and collaboration. Arguably some of the most important process tools are those involving collaborative decision-making, as much of the work that teams do is problem analysis and making decisions about potential solutions.

This California Improvement Network (CIN) workshop, led by Intend Health Strategies, explored effective practices when collaborating as teams, including levels of team member empowerment, effective meeting techniques, and a diverging/converging problem solving framework. Presenters reviewed multiple collaborative process tools that can assist in both diverging (gathering ideas) and converging (narrowing down ideas) moments. Time was devoted to ensuring that workshop participants can identify practical ways to apply these concepts in their day-to-day work.

This workshop was intended for all leaders, support and administrative staff, clinicians, and others at health and social services organizations. This event was offered free of charge. Please share this invitation with your network.

At the end of the workshop, participants were able to:

• Describe four levels of empowerment and what to consider before diving into a collaborative process.
• Use collaborative decision-making tools to solve problems in groups.
• Implement process tools immediately following the workshop.

Past participants overwhelmingly indicate CIN programming to be a worthwhile use of their time. See recordings of recent past CIN events.

For questions about this event, contact the CIN Program Office Team.

Learn more about the California Improvement Network, a project of the California Health Care Foundation that is managed by Healthforce Center at UCSF, and sign up for the CIN newsletter.