Section A: Skills Activity

Section A: Skills Activity

Section B: Knowledge Activity

1. Group dynamics refers to ways in which the distinct behaviour and roles of team members have an impact on the entire team. Team dynamics sets the direction for the performance and behaviour of the team. When the group dynamics within a team is positive, members are likely to trust each other. Similarly, disruptive or negative group dynamics lead to low productivity and low creativity in the team.
2. The strategies for supporting team cohesion, performance and participation are-

• Goal setting- A common goal for the team should be set so that everyone works towards the same objective. It enhances team performance and participation levels.
• Authority delegation- The manager is supposed to be the guiding force for the team and delegate duties and responsibilities to the right people.
• Communication- Trust building and conflict resolution depend on the degree to which communication is present between manager and team members. Good communication will enhance the participation levels of employees.

3. Team consensus can be gained by encouraging participation and identifying priorities of the team members. It is feasible to include the team members so that a solution can be developed quickly. Therefore, team members will come to a consensus or agreement. The team members would agree to the proposal because it is acceptable for all. No member is opposing the proposal and there is a higher chance of trust-building. A team consensus would be beneficial for the team because every member has accepted the common proposal.
4. The ability to tackle a situation or cope with the issues by taking appropriate decisions and by mitigating the risks is referred to as issue resolution. The individual would think and find effective ways to take effective actions in order to resolve the issue. Strategies such as careful listening and finding an agreement can resolve issues effectively.

Section C: Performance Activity

1. In order to deal with Bob, Tim and Kate, a shared purpose can be encouraged by establishing a mission and identifying the vision. All of them should have a common objective. Similarly, encouraging members to listen to one another can foster team understanding. Moreover, a work problem can be resolved between Kate, Tim and Bob by motivating them to solve problems responsibly. They need to engage with one another using verbal and non-verbal communication. Lastly, Bob and Kate need a good role model and therefore, the work environment must make them feel the need to be good.
2. Kate, Bob and Tim can be taught to take responsibility by presenting to them a set of procedures or policies relevant to the workplace. For instance, they can be exposed to quality assurance procedures and organisational or legal policies. They need to understand the need for following strict ethical guidelines in the organisation. They need to know the exact expectations of the employers. They can be asked to seek more clarity regarding the duties and responsibilities entrusted upon them.
3. A team issue can be resolved by agreeing to a cooperative process. It implies that all the members can be encouraged to cooperate with one another instead of sticking with their pre-conceived ideas. When everyone agrees to resolve a conflict by cooperating with one another, it is possible to resolve the issue. It also implies that everyone agrees to put the team first. Similarly, a performance issue can be resolved by recognising the improvement efforts of employees. In other words, positive reinforcement allows team members to feel encouraged. Cash gifts or benefits can improve the performance of members.
4. The performance plan with KPIs for team members has been outlined in the table below-

In order to develop these goals, it is essential to liaise with team members and other stakeholders. At first, a strategy would be set and team goals shall be identified. The right data that will support the process shall be used. The Board of Members and investors will be asked to outline their opinion regarding the KPIs and the corresponding individual goals.

5. In order to support Kate, Bob and Tim to achieve their KPIs, it will be feasible to use a formal learning opportunity and an informal learning opportunity. Coaching is an effective formal learning opportunity because the team members shall be exposed to the means of achieving their goals by learning through people. Similarly, challenging assignments shall be allocated to them so that they can learn during the working hours. Similarly, informal learning opportunities will be given to them by allowing them to view videos on increasing sales or contracts. They can also learn by reading articles or engaging in self-study. This would enhance their performance levels.
6. In order to evaluate the work performances of Kate, Bob and Tim after the allocated time are over, it would be feasible to revisit the goals of the individual team members. A discussion session will be set and it will allow everyone to make informed decisions based on realistic conclusions. The team members shall be interviewed so that their opinions regarding their performance can be compared to the actual results of their performance. After the interview, all of them will receive constructive feedback. After completing the interview session, a careful evaluation of the exact outcomes shall be done. During the analysis, the work quality and deadlines shall be analysed. Alignment between the skillset of the team members and assigned goals shall be carefully evaluated. The case study reveals that Tim is suffering due to workplace tensions and conflict between Bob and Kate. Hence, the corrective action, in this case, would be to encourage Tim to work separately with Kate and Bob. The work approach of Bob and Kate are completely different. Therefore, Tim is supposed to prioritise work over frustration and negativity. He can work closely with Bob and Kate and act as a resolver of disputes.