MDTs can choose to build exercises into their agendas that facilitate continuous learning about each other’s organizations and roles.

One option is to select one of the following prompts and have everyone respond to it.  (Question 4 can generate interest, in particular.)

Another approach is to focus on a single organization and ask them to address every prompt.  In the latter case, try to avoid an overload of data.  Keep the information concise in the beginning and allow the group’s questions to direct the discussion.

This list of prompts uses Adult Protective Services (APS) as the example:

  1. Call APS when ___________________.
  2. The key people from APS for you to contact are ____________________.
  3. To enable our best success, what APS needs from you is ____________________.
  4. A resource, asset, or service APS can provide but you might not know about is _______________.
  5. What can APS clarify for you about our agency?

Taking time to learn about the intricacies and challenges of each other’s work fosters respect and trust.  Seeing the details and difficulties in someone’s work can show where working together could give better results than working alone.  Working together in this way can lead to reduced frustrations, new ideas, and better results for vulnerable adults.