Lecture 5- Managing Teams

Question 1

Number of good ideas in nominal vs real groups

Answer 1

Nominal Groups (work independently)- HIGHER # of good ideas
Real Groups (work together) - LESS # of good ideas

Examples- firefighters and hiring panels

Question 2

Task conflict

Answer 2

disagreement about ideas, possible opportunities, solutions to
problems →

Good (productive) conflict: Higher innovativeness, higher commitment,
and more acceptance. Potential for learning, insight, and effective problem solving.

Question 3

Relationship conflict

Answer 3

personal conflict, dislike and negative feelings toward each
other →

Bad conflict: Lowers performance, satisfaction, and effectiveness

Question 4

What inhibits task conflict?

Answer 4

Groupthink:
Tendency for members of cohesive groups to conform strongly to group pressures that they fail to think critically and reject influences of outsiders (Janis, 1972).

Hierarchies
• 85% of employees say they have stayed silent instead of bringing an important issue to the attention of management
• Ex Nurses on surgical teams not speaking up

Question 5

How to increase Task Conflict

Answer 5

Create the right culture:
• Reduce negative consequences of failure
• Flatten the hierarchy – both formal and informal
– Equal participation → Team intelligence (r = .41)
• Increase psychological safety
– Hold initial “norm” meetings → Build trust between team members

Before assembling the group:
• Include individuals with diverse backgrounds
• Ask them to work individually first, then meet as a group
• Use a devil’s advocate

During the group discussion:
• Ask people to refrain from evaluating ideas (at first)
• Have a facilitator collect all ideas
• Go around room and ask each person’s ideas, starting with the most junior person

Question 6

Minimize relationship conflict

Answer 6

• Hold initial “norm” meetings → Build trust between team members (see “How to increase task conflict?”)
• Separate people from problem → Be soft on the person, but hard on the problem
• Frequent feedback and communication: Acknowledgement increases productivity and prevents misunderstanding

Question 7

Takeaways – Building successful teams

Answer 7

Team performance depends heavily on team process
How to help teams leverage their full potential?
• Maximize task-conflict, minimize relationship-conflict
Leadership requires a balance
• Groups need leaders. Systematize group discussions, maintain high levels of respect
• But not autocratic ones. Listen, encourage voice, involve others in the process