Chapter 5 - Subteams

Question 1

Define subteams

Answer 1

Two or more smaller subsets of members nested within a larger team that work interdependently for the benefit of an overall team. Leaders should created subteams based on relevant factors like previous knowledge, diversity in thinking, and functional expertise.

Question 2

multiteam systems

Answer 2

Multiteam Systems are a “team of teams”. Two or more teams that interface directly and interdependently in response to environmental challenges towards goal accomplishment. Multiteam systems are very large in size and scope

Question 3

multisubteam system

Answer 3

An overall team with multiple subteams within it. a leader is basically responsible for managing multiple stand-alone teams that can display any group-like or team-like attributes

Question 4

For subteams, strategizing and coordinating leader behaviors should hit 3 points of impact

Answer 4

1. Within subteams, where leader behavior is directed at each of the subteams within an overall team
2. Between subteams, where leader behavior is directed at the interface between each of the subteams within a team as a whole
3. Across subteams, where leader behavior is directed at the interface between an overall team composed of multiple subteams and its key stakeholders outside that team

Question 5

Best practices for subteam strategizing

Answer 5

1. Within: Help the members of each subteam understand their deliverables, task, objectives, and how they are going to work together
2. Strategizing between each subteams: Make sure each of the subteams understands how their tasks fit together for the benefit of the overall team. Leading your team’s set of subteams.
3. Strategizing across subteams: Serve as liason between the overall team and outside stakeholders

Question 6

Best practices for subteam Coordinating

Answer 6

1. Coordinating within each Subteams: Help the members of each subteam streamline their processes. Managing the flow of information and coordinating the action of members within each subteam.
2. Coordinating between subteams: Make sure that each of the subteams understands when and how to integrate and communicate the activities between each of the subteams. managing the flow of information between subteams.
3. Coordinating across subteams: Manage the interdependencies that exist between the overall team and external stakeholders.

Question 7

What are the 3 types of shared mental models in subteams?

Answer 7

1. TASK MENTAL MODEL: which refers to shared understandings about task procedures, strategies and information relating to how members should adapt task strategies in the face of changing circumstances.
2. TEAM MENTAL MODEL: Shared understandings about the capabilities of all team members including task knowledge, abilities, skills beliefs, attitudes.
3. TEAM INTERACTION MODEL: understanding team members task roles. When seeking information and resources is necessary and when to help a team member who might be overloaded.

Question 8

How can a team leader ensure shared mental models for subteams?

Answer 8

1. Task Mental Model: Ensure all subteam members understand their tasks and how those tasks fit into the larger goals of the overall multisubteam system.
2. Team Mental Model: This type prepares members to play to one anothers strengths and compensate for one anothers defiencies. (Creating a marketing plan on what you want to promote but can’t complete it without knowing what sales has forecasted as sales and sales cant do that without finance giving them the numbers).
3. Team Interaction Model: This model reduces the potential for ambiguities and conflict. To make this a success you should: team interaction training, formal briefings. Provide feedback on task sessions

Question 9

Describe the concept of subteam faultlines

Answer 9

People will usually immediately identify within their own group. Like the law of attraction . People who we think are similar to us not just looks but values. Can cause cliques.

Question 10

What are the 4 best practices for avoiding the dangers of subteam faultines and fractures in multisubteam systems?

Answer 10

1. ASSIGN EACH SUBTEAM SPECIFIC PURPOSE: Ensure all subteam members understand their tasks and how those tasks fit into the larger goals of the overall multisubteam system
2. ROTATING TEAM MEMBERS TO DIFF SUBTEAMS: Exposing maximum number of team members to each other. CROSS TRAINING also helps with high turnover companies and people reacting.
3. INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SUBTEAMS WITH AN OVERALL TEAM: Teams with a greater number of subteams will have less threat to their overall team identity
4. COLLECTIVE TEAM IDENTIFICATION: Creating the right mix of task and goal interdependence among team members by showing support and recognizing the team.