Decision Making & Problem Solving Flashcards

What is the difference between consensus and majority rule in team decision-making?

Answer: Consensus means all members can support the decision; majority rule means more than half agree

Consensus means all team members can live with and support the decision, even if it's not their first choice. Majority rule means the option with more than 50% of votes wins, potentially leaving a significant minority unsatisfied.

What is root cause analysis?

Answer: A systematic process to identify the fundamental cause of a problem rather than addressing symptoms

Root cause analysis digs beneath surface symptoms to identify the fundamental underlying cause of a problem, enabling solutions that prevent recurrence rather than just treating effects.

What is the '5 Whys' technique in problem solving?

Answer: Asking 'why' repeatedly (typically 5 times) to drill down from symptoms to root causes

The 5 Whys technique, developed by Toyota, involves asking 'Why?' iteratively to peel away layers of symptoms and reach the root cause of a problem.

What is the RACI matrix used for in team leadership?

Answer: Clarifying who is Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed for each task

A RACI matrix assigns four roles for each task: Responsible (does the work), Accountable (owns the outcome), Consulted (provides input), and Informed (kept updated).

When should a team leader make a unilateral decision versus seeking team input?

Answer: Unilateral decisions are appropriate in time-critical emergencies; team input is preferred for complex decisions affecting everyone

Time-critical situations, routine operational decisions, and confidential matters may require unilateral decisions. Complex problems, decisions with broad impact, and those requiring buy-in benefit from team input.

What is groupthink and how can a team leader prevent it?

Answer: A tendency for group members to conform to a perceived consensus, prevented by encouraging dissent and diverse perspectives

Groupthink occurs when the desire for harmony leads to poor decisions because dissenting views are suppressed. Leaders prevent it by encouraging diverse perspectives, assigning devil's advocates, and welcoming constructive criticism.