CPL Team Building & Development 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A program leader notices that two team members constantly argue during meetings, slowing down decisions. What is the MOST effective first step?
- Remove one member from the team
- Facilitate a one-on-one conversation between the two members (Correct answer)
- Ignore it and let the team self-correct
- Reassign both members to separate projects
Correct answer: Facilitate a one-on-one conversation between the two members
Facilitating a direct conversation helps surface the root cause of the conflict and encourages resolution through communication.
Question 2: Which team development concept describes the point where a group transitions from being a collection of individuals to a cohesive unit?
- Storming
- Norming (Correct answer)
- Performing
- Adjourning
Correct answer: Norming
Norming is Tuckman's stage where the team establishes shared norms and begins functioning as a cohesive unit.
Question 3: A CPL is building a new program team. To maximize psychological safety, the leader should PRIMARILY:
- Establish strict accountability measures from day one
- Encourage open dialogue and make it safe to voice concerns without fear of punishment (Correct answer)
- Limit communication channels to reduce noise
- Assign roles based solely on seniority
Correct answer: Encourage open dialogue and make it safe to voice concerns without fear of punishment
Psychological safety is built when team members feel they can speak up, take risks, and share concerns without negative consequences.
Question 4: When using a RACI matrix during team planning, what does the 'C' stand for?
- Coordinator
- Consulted (Correct answer)
- Controller
- Contributor
Correct answer: Consulted
In a RACI matrix, 'C' stands for Consulted — those whose input is sought before a decision or action is taken.
Question 5: A team member consistently underperforms despite having the required skills. The BEST approach for the CPL is to:
- Place the member on immediate probation
- Explore motivational factors and provide targeted coaching (Correct answer)
- Reassign all their tasks to higher performers
- Wait until the annual review to address it
Correct answer: Explore motivational factors and provide targeted coaching
When skill isn't the barrier, exploring motivation and providing coaching addresses the underlying cause of underperformance.
Question 6: Which leadership approach is MOST appropriate when a team member is highly skilled but low in confidence?
- Delegating style — give full autonomy
- Directing style — provide step-by-step instructions
- Supporting style — encourage and build confidence (Correct answer)
- Coaching style — explain decisions and ask for input
Correct answer: Supporting style — encourage and build confidence
The supporting style (Situational Leadership) is best for capable but low-confidence individuals, focusing on encouragement over instruction.
Question 7: During a program kickoff, a CPL should prioritize establishing team norms PRIMARILY because:
- It satisfies administrative requirements
- Shared agreements reduce ambiguity and prevent future conflict (Correct answer)
- It demonstrates authority over the team
- Norms eliminate the need for performance reviews
Correct answer: Shared agreements reduce ambiguity and prevent future conflict
Establishing norms early creates shared expectations that reduce misunderstandings and prevent conflict as the team grows.
CPL Team Building & Development 2
A program leader notices that two team members constantly argue during meetings, slowing down decisions.
What is the MOST effective first step?