Jump-Starting High-Performing Teams: The Fundamentals Course (Self-Paced)

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 1.2 CEUs

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Jump-Starting High-Performing Teams: The Fundamentals.

Effective teamwork is essential to achieving your agency's mission, yet transforming a group of individuals into a cohesive, high-performing team requires deliberate skill and strategy. Jump-Starting High-Performing Teams: The Fundamentals is a two-day course designed for federal employees who want to strengthen their ability to build, lead, and participate in results-driven teams. Through interactive exercises, self-assessments, and group discussions, participants will explore the key differences between groups and teams, understand the stages of team development, and learn how to create team charters that align members around a shared purpose and clear goals.

This course also equips participants with practical tools for navigating the interpersonal dynamics that determine a team's success. Topics include communication techniques that foster open dialogue, strategies for giving and receiving constructive feedback, approaches to managing conflict using the Thomas-Kilmann framework, and methods for collaborative problem solving and consensus building. Participants will leave with an individualized action plan they can apply immediately in their workplace to improve team performance, strengthen collaboration, and drive better outcomes for their organization.

Full Tuition

$1,049
Due before the class starts

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 1.2 CEUs

Learning Experience Highlights

Training from government‑experienced instructors

Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD

Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.

The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

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Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.

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24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

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Sample credential for completion of Jump-Starting High-Performing Teams: The Fundamentals Course (Self-Paced)

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Jump-Starting High-Performing Teams: The Fundamentals Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Identify the characteristics of high-performing teams.
Analyze the behavioral differences that exist between group members and team players.
Explain the importance of collaborative relationships within teams.
Identify the stages of team development.
Explain the team's needs in the task of maintenance dimensions of team functioning.
Explain the importance of a team charter in building a common understanding of team purpose and goals.
Define the various roles essential in managing the team process.
Work through disagreements and conflicts within the team.
Describe the value of influence within teams.
Identify methods for team problem-solving and decision-making.
Explain various communication techniques that promote more effective dialogue within the team environment.
Identify personal communication strengths and weaknesses that enhance/inhibit collaboration.
Prepare key elements for effective team meetings.
Develop an individualized action plan for immediate application in the work environment.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Introduction to Teams

Describe how current teams are performing
Differentiate between groups and teams
Identify behavioral characteristics of team members

Module 2: Team Development

Understand the stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing
Recognize the importance of collaborative relationships in team building
Discuss individual differences and their role in successful teams

Module 3: Building an Effective Team

Define team needs and understand the role of a team charter
Identify appropriate roles in a team and the importance of task vs. maintenance roles
Learn the key elements of team dynamics for building a high-performing group

Module 4: Effective Team Communication

Understand the differences between defensive and supportive climates
Develop ground rules for effective meetings
Identify common communication barriers and develop strategies for overcoming them

Module 5: Resolving Conflict

Describe the functional and dysfunctional characteristics of conflict in teams
Identify conflict resolution styles and their impact on team dynamics
Use the Thomas-Kilmann framework and influence strategies to manage conflict and maintain team unity

Module 6: Group Agreement and Problem Solving

Learn techniques like Force Field Analysis and Nominal Group Technique for problem solving
Understand the importance of consensus and decision-making in teams
Develop action plans for resolving team conflicts and enhancing problem-solving

Module 7: Conclusion

Reflect on the course and develop an action plan for applying the learning in the workplace
Summarize key takeaways and evaluate the course

Group Training

Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.

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Installments
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$1,049.00	Total You Pay