500 word discussion APA format

A S S E S S M E N T O F T E A M B A S I C S

Instructions: To determine how effectively your group functions as a team, each team member should respond to the following questions individually. After all team members have completed the instrument, compare your responses. Your answers should help you diagnose your team’s strengths and problem areas. Based on your findings, you may want to make some modifica- tions in the team’s characteristics (e.g., size, skills, purpose, goals, working approach, accountability). Refer back to Figure 2-2 in the chapter for more details. Using the scale below, circle one response for each item.

SD D N A SA Strongly Disagree Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree

Size

1. We can convene easily and frequently SD D N A SA 2. We can communicate easily and frequently SD D N A SA 3. Our discussions are open and interactive SD D N A SA 4. Everyone understands the others’ roles

and skills SD D N A SA 5. We need more people to achieve our goals SD D N A SA 6. Subgroups are possible or necessary SD D N A SA

Levels of Complementary Skills

7. All three categories of skills (technical/functional, problem solving, interpersonal) are either actually or potentially represented across team members SD D N A SA

8. Each member has potential in all three categories to advance his/her skills to the level required SD D N A SA

9. Some critical skill areas are missing on our team SD D N A SA 10. Members are, individually and collectively, willing

to spend the time to help themselves and others learn and develop skills SD D N A SA

11. New skills can be introduced as needed SD D N A SA

Meaningful Purpose

12. The team’s purpose constitutes a broader, deeper aspiration than just near-term goals SD D N A SA

13. We have a “team” purpose, as opposed to just one individual’s purpose (e.g., the leader’s) SD D N A SA

14. All members understand and articulate the purpose the same way SD D N A SA

15. Members define the purpose vigorously in discussion with outsiders SD D N A SA

16. Members frequently refer to the purpose and explore its implications SD D N A SA

17. Our purpose contains themes that are meaningful SD D N A SA 18. We feel our purpose is important SD D N A SA

Specific Goals

19. We have “team,” rather than individuals’ goals SD D N A SA 20. Our goals are clear, simple, and measurable SD D N A SA 21. Our goals are realistic as well as ambitious SD D N A SA 22. Our goals allow for small wins along the way SD D N A SA 23. Our goals call for a concrete set of team products SD D N A SA 24. The relative importance and priority of our goals

are clear to all members SD D N A SA

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Chapter 2•Appendix A

25. All members agree with the goals, their relative importance, and the way in which their achievement will be measured SD D N A SA

26. All members articulate the goals in the same way SD D N A SA

Clear Working Approach

27. Our approach is concrete, clear, and really under- stood and agreed to by everybody SD D N A SA

28. Our approach will result in achievement of the objectives SD D N A SA

29. Our approach will capitalize on and enhance the skills of all members SD D N A SA

30. Our approach requires all members to contribute similar amounts of real work SD D N A SA

31. Our approach provides for open interaction, fact- based problem solving, and results-based evaluation SD D N A SA

32. Our approach allows modifications over time SD D N A SA 33. Fresh input and perspectives are sought and added SD D N A SA

Sense of Mutual Accountability

34. Members are individually and jointly accountable for the team’s goals, approach, and products SD D N A SA

35. Progress can be measured against specific goals SD D N A SA 36. Members feel responsible for all measures SD D N A SA 37. Members are clear on what they are individually vs.

jointly responsible for SD D N A SA

Source: Adapted and reprinted by permission of Harvard Business School Press. From The Wisdom of Teams: Creating the Performance-Performance Organization by J.R. Katzenbach and D.K. Smith. Boston, MA 1993, pp. 62–64. Copyright © 1993 by McKinsey & Company, Inc., all rights reserved.

Chapter 2: Group Dynamics, Processes, and Teamwork 69