Diversity, Inclusion and Teamworking

Question 1

Why is Diversity important?

Answer 1

Helps bring team together and challenges assumptions and bias

Question 2

What are some characteristics of effective teams?

Answer 2

• Common sense of purpose
• A clear understanding of the team’s objectives
• Resources to achieve those objectives
• Mutual respect among team members, both as individuals and for the contribution each makes to the team’s performance
• A valuing of member’s strengths and respecting their weaknesses
• Mutual trust
• A willingness to share knowledge and expertise
• A willingness to speak openly
• A range of skills among team members to deal effectively with all its tasks
• A range of personal styles for the various roles needed to carry out the teams tasks

Question 3

What are the stages of Tuckman’s development?

Answer 3

• Forming = when people work as individuals rather than teams
• Storming = teams need to pass through a stage of conflict if they are to achieve their potential. Team becomes more aggressive, both internally and in relation to outside groups, rules and requirements.
• Norming = beginning to achieve its potential, effectively applying the resource to the tasks it has, using a process it has developed itself
• Performing = when the team is characterised by openness and flexibility. It challenges itself constantly but without emotionally charged conflict and places a high priority on the development of other team members
• Mourning = when the team disbands

Question 4

What is the most appropriate method of communication with teams?

Answer 4

Can depend on the situation. Day to day phone calls and emails tend to be most appropriate.

Remote teams tend to utilise video conferencing more