Technology Teams

Test #2 – Study Questions

1. State and define the “minimizers” to motivation. Describe for each “minimizer”
what you do to “maximize” motivation in team members.

Minimizers Maximize
Needs are not being met Assign tasks according to what members
want to do
Provide Challenge
Its not fair! Refer to team contract
Free Riders Implement rights, and responsibilities
and infractions
Address problems immediately
Keep manager informed
I don’t know why I am on this team Acknowledging/praising contributions
Lack of recognition Maximize strengths
Define Roles
Identify how contributions relate
achievement
Provide training/support
What are we doing Refer to contract
What is the purpose Implement goals while involving
Unclear expectations members
Give feedback
“small wins”
Discuss big picture
I work so hard for nothing Connect desired behaviours to desired
Lack of relevant rewards rewards
Dont accept undesired behavouirs
Provide individual and team rewards

2. State and describe 2 theories of motivation. Include examples in your

explanations.

Do you motivate yourself, or do other people/things – Are you motivated by

Extrinsic or Intrinsic means? Money, benefits, promotions or job satisfaction
Are you motivated by your needs – Are you motivated by your physiological
needs – food, safety needs – health benefits, Social needs – office parties, esteem
needs – achievements, self actualization needs – fulfillment of goals

3. Your team members are a combination of “D”, “I”, “S” and “C”. In the chart
below, state what the letters stand for and give a workplace/team example of:
a. How can you motivate a “D”, “I”, “S” and “C” behavioural style?
b. How does a “D”, “I”, “S” and “C” behavioural style handles conflict?
 Style Motivate by In Conflict does
Dominance Give Challenges Becomes hostile
Influence Recognition
Steadiness Procedure and Process
Conscientiousness Detailed Taks Becomes Diplomatic

4. In lectures we discussed Tuckman’s 5 Stages of Team Development model. In

the chart below:
a. State each of the 5 Stages of Team Development
b. Describe 2 behaviours team members show in each stage
c. Describe 2 things that you, the leader, need to do to assist people through
each
Stage Behaviours What leader needs to do
Forming Confusion, mixed Be directive and task
motivations oriented
Cautiously explore roles Make clear expectations
and norms and clarify the end goals
Storming Focus on team production Mediate, help surface
with little regard to underlying issues, point
relationship out strengths
Competition can arise as
group members vie for
control
Norming More respectful Focus team on tasks
behaviours , learning Maintain enthusiasm,
about their fellow team facilitate coach and guide,
members, evolve personal celebrate success
relationships
Performing Productivity is at peak Maintain cohesiveness
Relationship and Guide on sidelines
performance are balanced Acknowledge productivity
Adjourning Going over progress and Evaluate the team
debriefing team members so that they
experience know how they did

5. a. What is accountability?

b. Compare and contrast formal versus informal accountability.

Accountability – to be responsible for and to answer for performance based on

expectations of the individual, team, leader and/or organization

Formal- written evaluations of performance based on accomplishment and

adherence to ground rules
 Informal – ongoing monitoring by team leader and ongoing monitoring by fellow
team members

6. a. What is the difference between conflict resolution and conflict management?

b. What does DENT stand for and why is it used? Both explain and give an
example of each process step.

Conflict Management: Is a broad term that encompasses conflict resolution, and

conflict stimulation, and the appropriate use of each.

Conflict resolution:

The point was made in the previous section that human conflict in teams is
normal, to be expected, and, in certain instances promoted. Managing conflict in
essence means resolving conflict when it has negative effects and promoting
conflict when it helps avoid stagnation. In both senses, communication is critical.

The following guidelines can be used to improve communication in managing

conflict.

The intitial attitude of those involved in the conflict can predetermine the
outcome. If a person enters into a situation spoiling or a fight, he will probably
get one. Communicating with and convincing either or both parties to view the
conflict as an oppurtunity to cooperatively solve a problem.

7. a. State and describe the five conflict handling strategies

b. When is it appropriate to use each strategy? (Give workplace examples)

Do not interrupt or disagree with the angry employee.

Paraphrase what the employee says

 Acknowledge the anger.

Encourage the angry employee to work with you in solving the problem.

Arrive as a specific solution.

8. What are:

a. five ways to reinforce teamwork behaviours as discussed in your text

and

Individual compensation, individual recognition, team compensation,

team recognition

b. five ways to reward teamwork behaviours? Give an explanation of

each

Cookies, individual acknowledgement of their success, recognition of

their work and effort

9. How do you establish the following:

a. Peer accountability
b. Culture of accountability

10. Describe what the best process is to evaluate a team. What is included in this
process and explain why each process step is important.

The best process to evaluate is the 360 approach:

Individual reflection: Important because it is a reflection on your personal goals
Peer Assessment: How the group members feel the group worked as a whole
Managers Perspective: Can accurately judge success of final outcomes and goals
Team Debriefing: Closing up and bringing closure to the group