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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the Six Thinking Hats technique?
What is the primary purpose of the Six Thinking Hats technique?
Which of the following best describes the structure of the Six Thinking Hats technique?
Which of the following best describes the structure of the Six Thinking Hats technique?
In decision-making, why is it beneficial to switch perspectives using the Six Thinking Hats?
In decision-making, why is it beneficial to switch perspectives using the Six Thinking Hats?
What does the concept of social loafing refer to in team dynamics?
What does the concept of social loafing refer to in team dynamics?
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Which element is essential for making effective decisions in project teams?
Which element is essential for making effective decisions in project teams?
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What aspect of team dynamics does Tuckman's theory emphasize?
What aspect of team dynamics does Tuckman's theory emphasize?
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What challenge is often encountered when building and managing project teams?
What challenge is often encountered when building and managing project teams?
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Which of the following organizational structures is NOT mentioned in the material?
Which of the following organizational structures is NOT mentioned in the material?
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What role does the 'critical evaluator' play in a team decision-making process?
What role does the 'critical evaluator' play in a team decision-making process?
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Which of the following does NOT contribute to team cohesion?
Which of the following does NOT contribute to team cohesion?
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What is team cohesion primarily about?
What is team cohesion primarily about?
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Which of the following is a suggested method for improving team cohesion?
Which of the following is a suggested method for improving team cohesion?
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What aspect is essential for effective teamwork, as highlighted in the challenges teams face?
What aspect is essential for effective teamwork, as highlighted in the challenges teams face?
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Which of the following actions can undermine a team's confidence?
Which of the following actions can undermine a team's confidence?
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What is a benefit of having a cohesive team?
What is a benefit of having a cohesive team?
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What are important elements to define for effective teamwork?
What are important elements to define for effective teamwork?
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What is a common impact of social loafing in a team?
What is a common impact of social loafing in a team?
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Which of the following best describes a challenge related to identity in team settings?
Which of the following best describes a challenge related to identity in team settings?
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Which strategy can help combat social loafing?
Which strategy can help combat social loafing?
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What can contribute to an individual’s fear of expressing disagreement in a team?
What can contribute to an individual’s fear of expressing disagreement in a team?
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What is a key lesson from project management regarding situation analysis?
What is a key lesson from project management regarding situation analysis?
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What is an important ongoing skill that project managers need to develop?
What is an important ongoing skill that project managers need to develop?
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Which factor can create pressure to conform in a team setting?
Which factor can create pressure to conform in a team setting?
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What signifies the need for clarity in team goals?
What signifies the need for clarity in team goals?
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Cohesion among team members is primarily about how well they communicate with one another.
Cohesion among team members is primarily about how well they communicate with one another.
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A smaller group size can enhance team cohesion.
A smaller group size can enhance team cohesion.
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Assigning a 'devil’s advocate' in a meeting is intended to strengthen consensus among team members.
Assigning a 'devil’s advocate' in a meeting is intended to strengthen consensus among team members.
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Good leadership has no impact on meeting psychological needs in team settings.
Good leadership has no impact on meeting psychological needs in team settings.
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Teams can track their previous successes to help improve cohesion.
Teams can track their previous successes to help improve cohesion.
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Conflict management is an important aspect of effective decision-making in teams.
Conflict management is an important aspect of effective decision-making in teams.
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Psychological needs within teams are often overlooked in decision-making processes.
Psychological needs within teams are often overlooked in decision-making processes.
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Encouraging a friendly competition can diminish team cohesion.
Encouraging a friendly competition can diminish team cohesion.
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The Six Thinking Hats technique was developed by Edward de Bono and involves three metaphorical hats.
The Six Thinking Hats technique was developed by Edward de Bono and involves three metaphorical hats.
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Switching perspectives using the Six Thinking Hats leads to more comprehensive decision making.
Switching perspectives using the Six Thinking Hats leads to more comprehensive decision making.
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Tuckman's theory emphasizes that the 'what' of a team's work is more important than the 'how.'
Tuckman's theory emphasizes that the 'what' of a team's work is more important than the 'how.'
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Making effective decisions in project teams is considered an unimportant part of project management.
Making effective decisions in project teams is considered an unimportant part of project management.
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The main goal of the Six Thinking Hats technique is to argue for one specific position on a decision.
The main goal of the Six Thinking Hats technique is to argue for one specific position on a decision.
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Social loafing refers to the phenomenon where individuals contribute less effort when working in a team compared to when they are alone.
Social loafing refers to the phenomenon where individuals contribute less effort when working in a team compared to when they are alone.
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The Six Thinking Hats technique uses the color red to symbolize emotional and intuitive thinking.
The Six Thinking Hats technique uses the color red to symbolize emotional and intuitive thinking.
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Cohesion in a team has no significant impact on team performance or decision-making.
Cohesion in a team has no significant impact on team performance or decision-making.
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Fear of looking smart is a common issue in team settings.
Fear of looking smart is a common issue in team settings.
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Social loafing occurs when individuals work harder because they believe their efforts will be recognized.
Social loafing occurs when individuals work harder because they believe their efforts will be recognized.
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Pressure to conform to a charismatic leader is a common challenge teams face.
Pressure to conform to a charismatic leader is a common challenge teams face.
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Developing a broad set of skills in project management is a one-time requirement.
Developing a broad set of skills in project management is a one-time requirement.
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Assigning tasks clearly is a solution to combat social loafing.
Assigning tasks clearly is a solution to combat social loafing.
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The statement 'I am part of a big wheel, so my work doesn't matter' reflects a belief that discourages teamwork.
The statement 'I am part of a big wheel, so my work doesn't matter' reflects a belief that discourages teamwork.
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Team challenges do not include issues related to identity or control.
Team challenges do not include issues related to identity or control.
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Effective decision-making can be aided by using multiple theories and models.
Effective decision-making can be aided by using multiple theories and models.
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The Six Thinking Hats technique was developed by ______.
The Six Thinking Hats technique was developed by ______.
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Each metaphorical hat in the Six Thinking Hats technique represents a different type of ______.
Each metaphorical hat in the Six Thinking Hats technique represents a different type of ______.
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The main purpose of switching hats in the Six Thinking Hats technique is to lead to more comprehensive ______ making.
The main purpose of switching hats in the Six Thinking Hats technique is to lead to more comprehensive ______ making.
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In project management, building ______ is crucial for effective teamwork.
In project management, building ______ is crucial for effective teamwork.
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The Six Thinking Hats technique encourages teams to avoid making ______ decisions.
The Six Thinking Hats technique encourages teams to avoid making ______ decisions.
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According to Tuckman's theory, the 'how' a team works on a project is as important as the '______'.
According to Tuckman's theory, the 'how' a team works on a project is as important as the '______'.
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Social loafing refers to the tendency of individuals to contribute less effort when working in a ______.
Social loafing refers to the tendency of individuals to contribute less effort when working in a ______.
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The six different perspectives in the Six Thinking Hats technique allow for a rich collection of ______.
The six different perspectives in the Six Thinking Hats technique allow for a rich collection of ______.
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Assign someone as the 'devil's advocate' with the goal of arguing against the ______.
Assign someone as the 'devil's advocate' with the goal of arguing against the ______.
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Cohesion refers to the degree of connectivity and ______ among members of a team.
Cohesion refers to the degree of connectivity and ______ among members of a team.
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Cohesive groups are better at achieving their goals than ______ groups.
Cohesive groups are better at achieving their goals than ______ groups.
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A way to improve cohesion is by getting to know each other and wanting to work ______.
A way to improve cohesion is by getting to know each other and wanting to work ______.
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Good leadership helps teams meet psychological and ______ needs.
Good leadership helps teams meet psychological and ______ needs.
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Teams can track their past ______ to help improve cohesion.
Teams can track their past ______ to help improve cohesion.
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Clear ______ making is essential in teamwork to avoid misunderstandings.
Clear ______ making is essential in teamwork to avoid misunderstandings.
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A tendency to go along with the ______ may prevent individuals from expressing their true thoughts.
A tendency to go along with the ______ may prevent individuals from expressing their true thoughts.
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Fear of affecting relationships by disagreeing in a team setting is known as the fear of _____
Fear of affecting relationships by disagreeing in a team setting is known as the fear of _____
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Social loafing occurs when individuals work _____ hard when part of a team.
Social loafing occurs when individuals work _____ hard when part of a team.
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The need for clarity in team _____ is crucial for effective teamwork.
The need for clarity in team _____ is crucial for effective teamwork.
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One challenge in teams is the _____ and power dynamics, which can affect self-management.
One challenge in teams is the _____ and power dynamics, which can affect self-management.
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Teams should carefully assign _____ and define task ownership to combat social loafing.
Teams should carefully assign _____ and define task ownership to combat social loafing.
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A charismatic leader can create pressure to _____ within a team.
A charismatic leader can create pressure to _____ within a team.
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Self-discipline is important for project managers to adapt to _____ changing environments.
Self-discipline is important for project managers to adapt to _____ changing environments.
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Developing a broad set of skills is essential for a team to continue to _____ over time.
Developing a broad set of skills is essential for a team to continue to _____ over time.
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Study Notes
Effective Decision Making
- Six Thinking Hats Technique: Developed by Edward de Bono, this technique focuses on structured group discussion and individual thinking.
- Six Hats: Each hat represents a different type of thinking, with a distinct colour to aid in remembering the thinking approach.
- Perspective Exploration: Participants wear different hats to explore various perspectives, leading to comprehensive decision-making and problem-solving.
- Critical Evaluator: The PM can assign a team member to be a critical evaluator, challenging ideas and opinions.
- Devil's Advocate: A team member is assigned to argue against the majority opinion, promoting healthy debate.
- PM Influence: The PM can choose to remove themselves from meetings to avoid influencing the outcome.
- External Consultation: Engaging independent outside groups for advice is possible, but may undermine team confidence.
Team Cohesion
- Definition: Team cohesion is the degree of connectivity and solidarity among team members. It includes shared commitment to common goals, mutual trust, and collaborative work.
- Impact of Cohesion: Cohesive teams are more effective in achieving goals, whether positive or negative.
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Boosting Cohesion: Strategies include:
- Encouraging team members to get to know each other.
- Maintaining smaller team sizes.
- Highlighting past team successes.
- Promoting a sense of shared values and goals.
- Using friendly competition between teams to foster motivation.
Building Cohesion
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Team Building Actions: Teams can build cohesion through:
- Defining clear goals and priorities.
- Clearly defining roles for each team member.
- Establishing task and decision-making procedures.
- Developing interpersonal relationships and norms.
Group to Team
- Transition: A group of people needs practice and effort to morph into a functioning team.
Team Needs
-
Psychological and Relationship Needs: Teams meet these needs through:
- Effective leadership.
- A sense of community.
- Open communication.
- Clear decision-making processes.
- Effective conflict management.
Team Challenges
- Conformity: As humans, there's a tendency to agree with the majority without expressing true thoughts.
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Underlying Reasons for Conformity:
- Fear of disrupting relationships.
- Fear of appearing foolish or incorrect.
- Pressure to conform to a charismatic leader.
- Stress leading to hasty decisions.
- Desire to be part of the majority.
Social Loafing
- Definition: The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when part of a team.
-
Underlying Reasons:
- Perceived reduced responsibility for outcomes and consequences.
- Feeling of being an insignificant part of a larger group.
Social Loafing Solutions
- Work Assignment and Monitoring: Careful work assignment with diligent follow-up.
- Task Ownership: Clearly defining task ownership.
- Evaluation and Reward: Communicating clear evaluation and reward criteria.
- Intrinsic Motivation: Focusing on the task itself as a reward.
PM Lessons
- Model Integration: Learn to analyze complex situations using multiple theories and models because no single theory is sufficient.
- Skill Development: Consistently develop a wide range of skills and knowledge to support team growth.
- Adaptive Skills: Practice and develop self-discipline to adapt to changing environments and work outside of natural preferences.
Next week
- Class: Online on Wednesday, October 9th.
- Topic: Leadership and Project Management.
- Review: Prepare for the mid-term exam.
Reading Week
- No classes during the week of October 14th.
Mid-Term Test
- Mid-term exam on campus during the week of October 23rd.
Making Effective Decisions
- The 6 Hats Technique, developed by Edward de Bono, is a structured method for group discussion and individual thinking.
- Each hat represents a different type of thinking:
- White Hat: Facts and data
- Red Hat: Emotions and feelings
- Black Hat: Risks and concerns
- Yellow Hat: Benefits and opportunities
- Green Hat: Creativity and new ideas
- Blue Hat: Process and organization
- The technique encourages participants to switch hats to explore different perspectives.
Building Cohesion
- Team cohesion is the degree of connectivity and solidarity among team members.
- It encompasses shared commitment, mutual trust, and the ability to work cohesively towards common goals.
- Factors that can improve team cohesion:
- Getting to know each other
- Smaller group sizes
- Team success track record
- Like-mindedness among members
- Friendly competition
Team Challenges
- Social loafing is the tendency to work less hard when part of a team.
- Contributing factors:
- Belief that individual effort will go unnoticed
- Fear of affecting relationships by disagreeing
- Pressure to conform to leadership
- Need for rapid decision-making
Social Loafing Solutions
- Carefully assign work and follow up diligently.
- Define task ownership clearly.
- Communicate how work will be evaluated and rewarded.
- Focus on aligning tasks with intrinsic rewards.
Project Management Lessons
- Develop a broad set of skills and knowledge to help your team grow.
- Adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
- Continuous practice and development are essential for ongoing success.
Decision Making
- 6 Hats Technique - structured method for group discussion and individual thinking developed by Edward de Bono.
-
Six Metaphorical Hats - each represent a different type of thinking:
- White Hat - focuses on facts and data
- Red Hat - expresses emotions and feelings
- Black Hat - represents caution and risks
- Yellow Hat - focuses on benefits and opportunities
- Green Hat - encourages creativity and new ideas
- Blue Hat - controls the thinking process and summarizes discussions
- PM Roles - Critical evaluator - assigned role to provide critical feedback
- Devil's Advocate - assigned role for arguing against the majority
- External Consultations - PM can consult with outside groups, but it might affect team confidence
Team Cohesion
- Team Cohesion - degree of connectivity and solidarity among team members.
- Characteristics - shared commitment, mutual trust, and ability to work cohesively towards collective goals.
- Positive Impact - cohesive groups are better at achieving goals.
- Factors that Improve Cohesion - getting to know each other, smaller group sizes, team success, shared values and goals, friendly competition.
Building Teams
- Steps to Build Cohesion - establishing goals and priorities, defining roles, determining task procedures, examining team relationships and norms.
Team Challenges
- Social Loafing - tendency to work less hard when part of a team, subconscious belief that individual contribution won't be noticed.
- Solutions for Social Loafing - carefully assigning work, defining ownership, clear communication about evaluation, focusing on task as intrinsic motivator.
Project Management Lessons
- Analyze Complex Situations - use multiple models and theories, no one theory is sufficient
- Develop Broad Skills - acquire a diverse range of skills and knowledge to support team growth.
- Adapt to Change - develop self-discipline to adapt to rapidly changing environments, continuous practice and development is key.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts in effective decision making techniques, particularly the Six Thinking Hats method. It also delves into the importance of team cohesion and how it can be fostered in group settings. Participants will explore various roles and strategies that can enhance team discussions and decision making.
