Work is changing. Automation is impacting jobs across all industries. Employers are looking for a new kind of talent prepared for the uniquely human job description of the modern economy: working in diverse teams to solve complex problems. Today’s work requires a different kind of preparation.
Teamship business partners represent all types of organizations from across industries — startups and large corporations, nonprofits and for-profits, retail and high-tech, and everything in between. For a small time commitment, your business will receive a fresh perspective on a problem you’re facing while giving local students insights into your industry and potential future career opportunities. |
Today's work requires a different kind of preparation.
If we want to teach students how to work in diverse teams to solve complex problems, we need to give them more opportunities to do just that. Through a partnership with District C, students solve meaningful and urgent problems for businesses and organizations. No case studies or hypotheticals.
The most critical part of the experience is that it’s real.
The most critical part of the experience is that it’s real.
Involvement from one to three representatives from your organization takes less than five hours.
Onboarding & Prep Meetings
CONNECTComplete the interest form and we will follow up to schedule a short online conversation. 30 minutes |
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Student Meetings
INTERVIEWAttend a student-led meeting to answer questions about you, your business and the problem. 90 minutes |
CHECK-INAttend an online check-in, scheduled at your convenience, to hear student ideas and offer feedback. 60 minutes |
PITCHHear solution pitches from student teams, ask questions, and workshop their ideas in front of an audience. 90 minutes |
Example problems
A non-negotiable for this model is that the business problems are real, meaningful, and urgent.
Here are some examples of businesses and the problems they’ve brought:
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Problems that businesses pose to student teams tend to fall into three broad categories:
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A new approach to student curriculum
The Teamship experience is built on four modern work mindsets and a set of actionable tools. If the mindsets represent an attitude toward the work, the accompanying tools (protocols, team processes, devices, and behaviors) taught through Teamship are concrete ways of working meant to put that attitude into action. Working in teams to solve complex problems requires both. The mindsets are:
AnalyticalReal problems are messy. Break them down before jumping to solutions.
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DesignAll problems are human. Get to needs and motivations with an orientation to action.
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CollectiveThe best teams are diverse teams. Leverage the power of different perspectives.
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Self-AwareYou are responsible for you. Proactively manage your growth and productivity.
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FAQs
How often will my organization get matched?
It depends on how many schools are seeking matches, but we aim to have each business matched once every 6 months.
Can I do more than just one engagement?
Yes! We hope your first experience is so valuable that you'll want to keep coming back for more!
What will be discussed in the initial onboarding conversation?
The 30-minute conversation is an opportunity for you to learn more about District C and the important role that you play in our work, and for us to get to know you and your organization. We think you'll be 100% sold after having a chance to chat with us, but we want to be sure you get all the information you need before opting in. Also, not every business is a good fit for this work. This is our chance to make sure it's a fit as well.
How long is each business engagement?
Some engagements are as short as one week (Launch Meeting on Monday, Pitch Event on Friday), and others can be as long as 9 weeks. The typical engagement runs 3 or 4 weeks.
What if I get matched with a school but the timing isn’t right for my business?
No problem. You can choose not to accept any request that comes your way. We'll just put you back into the rotation for future matches.
Does this cost anything?
The program has no cost. We encourage the businesses to have the final pitch discussion at their business, which would include transportation costs for the students.
What are some other examples of business problems that would be a good fit for this program?
The most important thing to remember is that it should be a problem (messy, complex, and open-ended) rather than a project (task-oriented with a clear direction) because students will be using the Design Process to go deep, figure out what’s at the root of it, and determine the best solution!
The team member will ask you questions, gather details, and follow up with a drafted one-page problem scope for you to review.
The team member will ask you questions, gather details, and follow up with a drafted one-page problem scope for you to review.
What roles will my organization’s representatives need to define?
Primary Rep: The main point of contact works with District C to frame up the problem, attends all 3 meetings with students, and determines how the company will use student insights post-Pitch.
Secondary Reps (optional): 1-2 individuals can attend the onboarding meeting, coordinate with the primary rep about the focus for the problem, and attend some or all student meetings.
Supporters (optional): Anyone can attend the Pitch Event as audience members to hear students’ proposed solutions.
Secondary Reps (optional): 1-2 individuals can attend the onboarding meeting, coordinate with the primary rep about the focus for the problem, and attend some or all student meetings.
Supporters (optional): Anyone can attend the Pitch Event as audience members to hear students’ proposed solutions.
WHY IS DIVERSITY SUCH AN IMPORTANT PART OF THIS PROGRAM?
Workplaces are made up of all different kinds of people with different strengths, backgrounds, perspectives, and past experiences. We know from research that the best teams are diverse teams, but only when the members of those teams understand how to leverage their differences. Teamship is an opportunity to learn how.