Team Dynamics & Group Development Flashcards

A newly formed team is experiencing high anxiety and dependency on the leader for direction. According to Tuckman's model, which stage is this team in?

Answer: Forming

Forming is characterized by orientation, testing, and dependence on the leader as members get acquainted and seek guidance.

A team coach observes that two sub-groups have formed and are competing for influence. Inter-group conflict is reducing overall team output. Which systemic intervention is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Facilitate a whole-team dialogue to surface underlying needs

Bringing the whole team into dialogue surfaces the systemic dynamics at play and builds collective ownership of resolution.

Which of the following BEST describes psychological safety in a team context?

Answer: The belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up

Psychological safety, as defined by Amy Edmondson, is the shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking.

A team that has been performing well suddenly regresses into conflict after a key member leaves. This regression through Tuckman's stages is BEST explained by which concept?

Answer: Team re-norming

Teams often re-cycle through earlier stages (re-norming or re-storming) when membership changes or significant disruptions occur.

In the BART model used in team coaching, what does 'T' stand for?

Answer: Tasks

BART stands for Boundaries, Authority, Role, and Task — a systems model used to clarify team structure and functioning.

A team coach notices that the team consistently avoids giving negative feedback during retrospectives. Which group dynamic is MOST likely at play?

Answer: Groupthink

Groupthink involves the suppression of dissent and critical evaluation to maintain harmony, which can manifest as avoiding negative feedback.

When coaching a virtual team, which dynamic requires MORE deliberate attention compared to co-located teams?

Answer: Trust and relationship building

Trust and relationship building are harder to establish virtually because casual interactions and non-verbal cues are limited.