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Business Communications >Unit 05 >Chapter 11 >Excelling in Professional Teams

[Solution] Excelling in Professional Teams

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Author: Marcus D. Green

Teams are a vital force in today's workplace. Although a few companies avoid team-based models, most companies consider teamwork fundamental to their success.

Organizations form teams because effective teams are more  .

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Team members are closer to the action and able to see more opportunities, thus improving their decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Team Development Phases

Associate each activity with the corresponding phase of team development.

Activity: Build trust

Phase:

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The following activities are associated with the four phases of team development in decision making.

Forming

  1. Select members
  2. Become acquainted
  3. Build trust
  4. Form collaborative culture

Associate each activity with the corresponding phase of team development.

Activity: Form collaborative culture

Phase:

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The following activities are associated with the four phases of team development in decision making.

Forming

  1. Select members
  2. Become acquainted
  3. Build trust
  4. Form collaborative culture

Associate each activity with the corresponding phase of team development.

Activity: Collect and share information

Phase:

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The following activities are associated with the four phases of team development in decision making.

Storming

  1. Identify problems
  2. Collect and share information
  3. Establish decision criteria
  4. Prioritize goals

Associate each activity with the corresponding phase of team development.

Activity: Establish decision criteria

Phase:

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The following activities are associated with the four phases of team development in decision making.

Storming

  1. Identify problems
  2. Collect and share information
  3. Establish decision criteria
  4. Prioritize goals

Associate each activity with the corresponding phase of team development.

Activity: Discuss alternatives

Phase:

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The following activities are associated with the four phases of team development in decision making.

Norming

  1. Discuss alternatives
  2. Evaluate outcomes
  3. Apply criteria
  4. Prioritize alternatives

Associate each activity with the corresponding phase of team development.

Activity: Prioritize alternatives

Phase:

View Explanation

The following activities are associated with the four phases of team development in decision making.

Norming

  1. Discuss alternatives
  2. Evaluate outcomes
  3. Apply criteria
  4. Prioritize alternatives

Associate each activity with the corresponding phase of team development.

Activity: Analyze effects

Phase:

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The following activities are associated with the four phases of team development in decision making.

Performing

  1. Select alternative
  2. Analyze effects
  3. Implement plan
  4. Manage project

Associate each activity with the corresponding phase of team development.

Activity: Manage project

Phase:

View Explanation

The following activities are associated with the four phases of team development in decision making.

Performing

  1. Select alternative
  2. Analyze effects
  3. Implement plan
  4. Manage project

Team Behaviors

Consider the team described in the following situation, and answer the question.

You're on a product development team for Kraft Foods. Your team's mission is to develop new products targeted at the Hispanic/Latino market. You're in your weekly meeting with the team, and you're beginning to wonder if you'll ever manage to settle on a product. Two of your teammates are proposing an enchilada kit. Another team member thinks Kraft should get into the dessert market and suggests churros. You believe that a Mexican-style sauce, mole perhaps, would be a more versatile option. One of the team members has remained silent the entire time. You realize this and ask their opinion.

Which team behavior does this situation describe?

  • Failing to stay on task
  • Encouraging members to participate
  • Making inappropriate jokes and comments

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In this situation, you are exhibiting positive team behaviors by encouraging other members to participate.

Characteristics of Successful Teams

Successful teams share several characteristics. For example, successful teams  .

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Teams that plan projects carefully with intermediate goals, deadlines, and protocols tend to use resources more efficiently and complete tasks on schedule.

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