Practice Test Geeks(CSM) Certified Software Manager Practice Test
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Leadership & Team Management Flashcards

7 cards from real CSM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Leadership & Team Management flashcards as text

  1. A software manager notices that two senior developers have ongoing interpersonal conflicts affecting team morale. What is the BEST first step?

    Answer: Facilitate a private mediation session between the two developers

    Facilitating mediation addresses the root cause directly while maintaining team cohesion and giving both parties a voice.

  2. Which leadership style is MOST effective when managing highly experienced software engineers who require little supervision?

    Answer: Delegative (laissez-faire) leadership

    Delegative leadership empowers experienced professionals by granting autonomy, which increases motivation and leverages their expertise.

  3. A software project manager is using the Tuckman model. The team is currently arguing about processes and roles. Which stage is the team in?

    Answer: Storming

    The Storming stage is characterized by interpersonal conflict, debate over roles, and resistance to authority as the team establishes dynamics.

  4. When setting performance goals for software team members, which framework is considered best practice?

    Answer: SMART goal framework

    SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) provide clear, trackable targets that align individual effort with organizational objectives.

  5. A manager wants to increase intrinsic motivation among software developers. Which approach aligns with Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory?

    Answer: Offering more challenging and meaningful work assignments

    Herzberg identified achievement, recognition, and meaningful work as motivators (intrinsic), while salary and perks are hygiene factors that prevent dissatisfaction but don't motivate.

  6. In a software organization, the concept of 'psychological safety' primarily enables teams to:

    Answer: Speak up, take risks, and report mistakes without fear of punishment

    Psychological safety, as defined by Amy Edmondson, is the belief that one will not be punished for speaking up, which is critical for innovation and learning.

  7. A CSM candidate must understand that 'span of control' refers to:

    Answer: The number of direct reports a manager can effectively supervise

    Span of control is the number of subordinates a manager can efficiently and effectively direct; typical optimal ranges vary by organization complexity.