Written Assignment 3

What Is Your Preferred Team Role?

(Due in class on 11/14)
Assignment Groups are always more effective when they have team members capable of effectively carrying out all the various roles essential for the team's success. This assignment asks you to consider your own preferences for filling the various roles as a member of the teams to which you belong. Instructions 1. Complete the attached "Team Role Preferences Scale" self-assessment by reading and responding to each of the 12 statements. 2. Next, follow the instructions for scoring your responses to determine your results. Report your scores for each of the team roles. 3. Finally, take a few minutes and answer the following questions: (a) What do your preferences suggest about the kinds of contributions you are most likely to make as a team member? Do your preferences actually reflect the kinds of roles you typically play, or are there some differences in how you usually behave as a team member? Explain. (b) If you were randomly assigned with several other students to complete a class project as a team, what importance might these different team role preferences have on your group's success? Be specific. (c) As a fellow team member, would you like to know the preferences of the other people who are members of your team? Why or why not? (d) Finally, what other roles can you think of that are not considered in this exercise, but might nevertheless be important for a team's success? What do you predict would happen to a team's level of performance if these different roles were not being carried out successfully by someone on the team? Be specific. 4. Please have this completed and ready to turn in during class on Wednesday, Nov. 14 (you may email as an attachment to "mjstevens@weber.edu" if you prefer).

TEAM ROLES PREFERENCES SCALE

INSTRUCTIONS: Read each of the following statements and circle the response you believe best reflects your opinion regarding each statement. Then use the scoring key (on the next page) to calculate your results for each team role. This exercise is completed alone so you can assess yourself honestly without concerns of social comparison. Team Roles Preferences Scale
Circle the number to the right of each statement below that best reflects your opinion. There are no right or wrong answers. 1. I frequently take the initiative to help my teams use their time and resources most effectively. 2. As a member, I usually help my teams set clear priorities and objectives and then stay on track. 3. When working on a team, I always push it to set high standards and achieve at top levels. 4. On most teams, I'm usually one of the more skilled members who always helps make sure the job is done right. 5. Regardless of the job, I can usually be counted on for the necessary technical expertise to do the work. 6. If my team has trouble getting the job done, I can frequently be counted on to figure out how to get things done right. 7. As a team member, I am always very good at helping resolve team conflicts. 8. I am frequently someone who will help the team relax, have fun and get to know each other on a personal level. 9. I am usually a team member who helps reach out and get others more involved in the team. 10. I am always quick to challenge my teams to think about whether it's doing things the best possible way. 11. As a team member, I frequently raise constructive questions openly, even if no one else thinks that way. 12. I am usually the first to ask important and challenging questions in team meetings, like "why?" and "how?"
Does not describe me at all Does not describe me very well Describes me somewhat Describes me well Describes me very well

1 1 1

2 2 2

3 3 3

4 4 4

5 5 5

1 1 1

2 2 2

3 3 3

4 4 4

5 5 5

Scoring Key for the Team Roles Preferences Scale

Scoring Instructions: On the appropriate lines below, write the numbers you circled for each of the 12 statements (the statement numbers are in parentheses). Add up each row when you have written in your numbers. Team Leader Role: Task-Expert Role: Harmonizer Role:

5 4 4 ____ ____ + ____ + ____ =13 (1) (2) (3)

5 5 4 14 ____ + ____ + ____ = ____ (4) (5) (6)

3 2 7 2 ____ + ____ + ____ = ____ (7) (8) (9)

3 12 4 5 Team Challenger Role: ____ + ____ + ____ = ____ (10) (11) (12)
Interpreting Your Scores: The four team roles measured here are somewhat different from the roles described in your textbook and other assigned readings. However, these roles are based on empirical research studies. The four roles are defined below, along with the range of scores for high, medium, and low levels of each role. These norms are based on results from a large sample of students majoring in business: Team role and definition Team Leader: This role consists of behaviors that are goal
directed and focused on achieving desired results. It also emphasizes the use of strategies that are flexible, open, and a willingness share with others the limelight for success. Task-Expert: This role consists of behaviors that are taskfocused, and are aimed primarily at making sure the team has the necessary technical information and expertise to achieve results and task outcomes consistent with a high level of performance standards. Team Harmonizer: This role is process-oriented and strives to ensure that the team effectively integrates all members in a socially and interpersonally successful manner. It utilizes active listening and facilitation behaviors, strives to build involvement and consensus, and stresses an informal, relaxed and enjoyable team environment. Team Challenger: This role includes those behaviors that serve to question the goals and methods used by the team to achieve its desired objectives. It is quick to challenge the status quo thinking, fosters constructive conflict, and encourages the team to take well-conceived risks.

Interpretation
High: 13 and above Medium: 11 to 12 Low: 10 and below High: 12 and above Medium: 10 to 11 Low: 9 and below

High: 12 and above Medium: 9 to 11 Low: 8 and below

High: 13 and above Medium: 11 to 12 Low: 10 and below