Promote Team Effectiveness

This document discusses strategies to promote team effectiveness in the workplace. It covers topics such as developing performance plans, ensuring team member input in the planning process, policies for taking responsibility for own work, and strategies for gaining consensus among team members. The document also includes team goals and how to achieve them. Subject: Team Management, Course Code: N/A, Course Name: N/A, College/University: N/A

Promote Team Effectiveness
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Table of Contents
Assessment Task 1...........................................................................................................................3
Assessment Task 2.........................................................................................................................13
Assessment Task 3.........................................................................................................................23
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Assessment Task 1
1. Review the simulated workplace information for Apparel Brands Pty Ltd. in appendix 1.
Apparel Brands Pty Ltd. is a brand found in 1901. It is Australian based manufacturer and
distributor of the generic clothing and footwear. The company usually manufactures clothing and
footwear for other brands who used to sell them under their retail flagships. Recently the
organisation has decided to establish the company as a manufacturer and retailing brand due to
the strong Australian dollar and increased overseas competition. As the textile industry is going
to suffer in the upcoming years, the organisation has set the following new strategic objectives:
 Develop new brands and product range and sell directly to the consumers
 Develop an e-commerce platform to reduce the distribution costs and increase the profit
margins.
2. In consultation with your assessor:
a. Form a team
There are mainly two categories in the team which involves the team members and the
Manager.
b. Agree to meet team objectives and develop performance plans for each team
member
Team Objectives Completion Dates
Make new advertisement strategies for building
consumer awareness
15th Feb – 15th April
Implement e-commerce websites to enhance
customer base and profit margins
15th Feb – 15th April
Implement e-commerce websites to enhance
customer base and profit margins
15th Feb – 15th April
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3. Prepare to work with your team and complete the following:
a. Consider several strategies to ensure team member has input into the planning process.
It is very important that companies take the input from their employees in order to develop
strategies which will help in planning process. Also, it is very important that the team members
feel valued in every way to get the best performance out of them. Some of the strategies that
must be incorporated in order to make sure that the team members have an input in the planning
process are as follows:
 Providing the team members with a frank and healthy work environment.
 Developing and giving opportunities to all team members for their self-
development in order to enhance their capabilities.
 Appreciating every team member input and advices in order to make them feel
valued.
 Try not to criticise failure as this will supress the team member’s ideas or
enthusiasm to participate.
 Define and set clear and achievable goals.
b. Consider several ideas for policies to ensure team members take responsibility for own
work.
For every organisation, a time comes when an employee thinks if they see any future with the
organisation or not. It is the leadership qualities and the policies which helps in ensuring that the
employees feel motivated to take responsibility of their own work. If an organisation goes wrong
on this, the employees might decide to quit the organisation. The following are some policies
which Apparel Brands Pty Ltd. must incorporate in order to ensure team members take
responsibility of their own work and they can be a help for the organisation in taking the leap of
implementing a new expansion strategy.
 As the company is taking a leap, it is very important that they are made to feel as
a part of this expansion. Hence, the vision of the company must be shared with all
the team members.
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 To make the team members feel as the part of the expansion, team members will
be involved more in goal setting process and also planning the activities for
achieving these goals.
 Post discussion in the team meeting, a query session will be conducted in order to
make sure that the team members did not just only listened but also understood
their duties and its importance.
 Giving the team members the authority of their task and responsibilities rather
than just assigning them the work. This will help in showing that the organisation
has believe on the employee and thus gives them to take decisions regarding their
own work.
 Hold the team members accountable for their tasks and thus encourage them to
solve the problems associated with their work.
 Provide them with constructive, positive and encouraging feedback rather than
demotivating the team members. Give them a pat for taking responsibility of their
own task.
c. Consider team goals and how team can achieve goals.
The team goals for Apparel Brands Pty. Ltd.
 To establish own brand value in manufacturing and retail industry
 To make new advertisement strategies for building consumer awareness
 To implement e-commerce websites to enhance customer base and profit margins.
Make new
advertisement strategies
for building consumer
awareness
Implement e-commerce
websites to enhance
customer base and
profit margins
Establish own brand
value in manufacturing
and retail industry
Description Developing
advertisement
campaigns on various
platforms like
television, social
media, hoardings, etc.
Developing e-
commerce website for
the brand in order to
facilitate customers
with online shopping
platforms thus
As the company was
totally into
manufacturing till now,
the brand will now sell
its products in the
market directly under
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increasing profit
margins and reducing
distribution costs.
its own brand. A launch
event will be organised.
Dependencies Product elements,
Product design,
Advertisement content
development
IT infrastructures,
Skilled employees, e-
commerce license, bank
collaborations
Public relations
Advertisements
Marketing strategies
Social media Platform
Timeline 15th Feb – 15th April 1st April – 15thMay 20th May – 30th May
Responsibility Advertising and
Marketing Team
PR team
IT team, Product and
Inventory Team,
Pricing Team
PR and Marketing
Team
Project Managers
Resources Product details, Product
design, Advertisement
content development,
Company history
Online domain, skilled
employees with
knowledge of website
development and
management, Inventory
details, Pricing details
Media
Social Media platform
Press Conference
Brand Logo and
Tagline creation
Event premises
Review Dates 16th April – 19th April 16th May – 20th May 31st May – 3rd June
Measurement: KPI;
Outcome
Advertisement for
digital media platform,
Hoardings and posters
for print media
platforms, Social media
campaigns
Secured and running e-
commerce website for
online shopping
Booking of event
premises
Arrangement for media
awareness through
press conference
Successful brand
launch event
d. Consider strategies for gaining consensus among team.
To gain consensus among the team members for the developed goals, the following strategies
should be implemented:
 Always ensure and encourage team members participation
 Develop a multi-voting system for overcoming the scenarios of indecisiveness.
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 Point out the priorities for better understanding of the goals and the desired outcomes.
 Involve every team member in the discussion for the development of a solution.
e. Consider group behaviour and how best to present your ideas and work effectively
within the group.
Best ways to present the ideas and work within a group are as follows:
 By making the ideas and work easier to understand and develop a personalised way to
present the ideas to the group members.
 Building a great team environment to work which is not only friendly but also provides a
lot of scope to learn. Ideas must be presented in a way that they attract more members to
learn from the ideas.
 Present the ideas in a way which helps the members to brainstorm and thus develop their
analytical skills finally increasing their effectiveness as well.
f. Review the third-party report in Appendix 3 to ensure that you are familiar with the
team performance expectations.
Assessment 1 – Third-party report for candidate:
Did the candidate propose and agree on strategies for ensuring participation
of team members?
Y/N
Describe how:
Provided valuable strategic inputs in team meeting to achieve team and organisational goals
Did the candidate help develop policy and procedures to ensure team
members take responsibility for own work?
Y/N
Describe how:
By encouraging the team members take authority of their work, by giving them the freedom to make
informed decisions for the betterment of team
Did the candidate work with group to determine common understanding of
organisational requirement and team goals?
Y/N
Describe how:
Participated in team meetings, proposed advices and solutions to meet organisational and team goals
Did the candidate work with group to determine and agree on specific
duties to support team members with assigned responsibilities?
Y/N
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List the candidate’s support duties:
Helping in development of team and project goals, putting efforts in analysing the needs of the team,
Helping the team members in achieving their set goals
Did the candidate demonstrate knowledge of group behaviour and how it
gains consensus and work within groups to enhance team effectiveness?
Y/N
Describe how the candidate demonstrated this knowledge in their interactions with the team:
Discussing about the importance of team work in while providing solutions in the team meetings, setting
individual goals which are well aligned with team goals and objectives, Achieving the team goals well
within the time
Team member/observer’s name: Signature and date:
Candidate’s name: Signature and date:
g. Prepare to take notes to provide evidence of team meeting.
Program/Area: Brand and e-commerce website launch
Meeting Purpose: Launching the brand as a retail brand along with manufacturing and
introducing an e-commerce website to increase profit margins
Meeting Date: 13/02/2019
Meeting Time: 12:00 pm
Meeting Location: Conference room
Meeting Facilitator: Team Leader
Attendees: All team members
Minutes Issued By: Associate Team Leader
Next Steps: (Task, Assigned to, Checkpoint Date) Owner Due Date
Develop Advertising Content Creative
associates
15th April
E-commerce website development IT associates 15th May
Launch Event preparations PR and
Marketing
associates
30th May
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Decisions Made: (What, Why, Impacts)
1. Deadlines were decided
2. Resources were decided
3. Work allotted to respective team associates
4. Review team formed
5. Mode of communication was decided
4. In team meeting, consult to establish ground rules for teamwork
Strategies
 Providing the team members with a frank and healthy work environment.
 Developing and giving opportunities to all team members for their self-development
in order to enhance their capabilities.
 Appreciating every team member input and advices in order to make them feel
valued.
 Try not to criticise failure as this will supress the team member’s ideas or enthusiasm
to participate.
 Define and set clear and achievable goals.
Policy and Procedures
 As the company is taking a leap, it is very important that they are made to feel as a part of
this expansion. Hence, the vision of the company must be shared with all the team
members.
 To make the team members feel as the part of the expansion, team members will be
involved more in goal setting process and also planning the activities for achieving these
goals.
 Post discussion in the team meeting, a query session will be conducted in order to make
sure that the team members did not just only listened but also understood their duties and
its importance.
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 Giving the team members the authority of their task and responsibilities rather than just
assigning them the work. This will help in showing that the organisation has believe on
the employee and thus gives them to take decisions regarding their own work.
 Hold the team members accountable for their tasks and thus encourage them to solve the
problems associated with their work.
 Provide them with constructive, positive and encouraging feedback rather than
demotivating the team members. Give them a pat for taking responsibility of their own
task.
5. Discuss and determine team goals and how goals can be achieved.
The team goals for Apparel Brands Pty. Ltd.
 To establish own brand value in manufacturing and retail industry
 To make new advertisement strategies for building consumer awareness
 To implement e-commerce websites to enhance customer base and profit margins.
6. a)
Make new
advertisement strategies
for building consumer
awareness
Implement e-commerce
websites to enhance
customer base and
profit margins
Establish own brand
value in manufacturing
and retail industry
Description Developing
advertisement
campaigns on various
platforms like
television, social
media, hoardings, etc.
Developing e-
commerce website for
the brand in order to
facilitate customers
with online shopping
platforms thus
increasing profit
margins and reducing
distribution costs.
As the company was
totally into
manufacturing till now,
the brand will now sell
its products in the
market directly under
its own brand. A launch
event will be organised.
Dependencies Product elements,
Product design,
Advertisement content
development
IT infrastructures,
Skilled employees, e-
commerce license, bank
collaborations
Public relations
Advertisements
Marketing strategies
10

Social media Platform
Timeline 15th Feb – 15th April 1st April – 15thMay 20th May – 30th May
Responsibility Advertising and
Marketing Team
PR team
IT team, Product and
Inventory Team,
Pricing Team
PR and Marketing
Team
Project Managers
Resources Product details, Product
design, Advertisement
content development,
Company history
Online domain, skilled
employees with
knowledge of website
development and
management, Inventory
details, Pricing details
Media
Social Media platform
Press Conference
Brand Logo and
Tagline creation
Event premises
Review Dates 16th April – 19th April 16th May – 20th May 31st May – 3rd June
Measurement: KPI;
Outcome
Advertisement for
digital media platform,
Hoardings and posters
for print media
platforms, Social media
campaigns
Secured and running e-
commerce website for
online shopping
Booking of event
premises
Arrangement for media
awareness through
press conference
Successful brand
launch event
b) The work is being fairly distributed and this is ensured by the responsibility part of the above
table. All the individuals will undertake the roles which involves advertisement for digital media
platform, hoardings and posters for print media platforms, social media campaigns, booking of
event premises arrangement for media awareness through press conference, successful brand
launch event and secured and running e-commerce website for online shopping.
8.
Assessment 1 – Third-party report for candidate:
Did the candidate propose and agree on strategies for ensuring participation
of team members?
Y/N
Describe how:
Provided valuable strategic inputs in team meeting to achieve team and organisational goals
Did the candidate help develop policy and procedures to ensure team Y/N
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members take responsibility for own work?
Describe how:
By encouraging the team members take authority of their work, by giving them the freedom to make
informed decisions for the betterment of team
Did the candidate work with group to determine common understanding of
organisational requirement and team goals?
Y/N
Describe how:
Participated in team meetings, proposed advices and solutions to meet organisational and team goals
Did the candidate work with group to determine and agree on specific
duties to support team members with assigned responsibilities?
Y/N
List the candidate’s support duties:
Helping in development of team and project goals, putting efforts in analysing the needs of the team,
Helping the team members in achieving their set goals
Did the candidate demonstrate knowledge of group behaviour and how it
gains consensus and work within groups to enhance team effectiveness?
Y/N
Describe how the candidate demonstrated this knowledge in their interactions with the team:
Discussing about the importance of team work in while providing solutions in the team meetings, setting
individual goals which are well aligned with team goals and objectives, Achieving the team goals well
within the time
Team member/observer’s name: Signature and date:
Candidate’s name: Signature and date:
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Assessment Task 2
1. Review
The workplace information on Apparel Brands Pty Ltd shows that the company is aiming at
evolving a new e-commerce project and for doing this, the company has set up a specialized
team that will help in the setup of the e-commerce project.
2. Tasks 1
Question Achieved
Question
1
Question
2
Question
3
Question
4
Question
5
Question
6
Question
7
Question
8
Question
9
Question
10
Question
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Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
3. Appropriate time for team work
Manager 2 hour
Team member 1 10 min
Team member 2 10 min
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Team member 3 10 min
Team member 4 10 min
Team member 5 10 min
Team member 6 10 min
Team member 7 10 min
Team member 8 10 min
Team member 9 10 min
Team member 10 10 min
4. Prepare for the team meeting
The team was charged for identifying e-commerce opportunities for the Apparel Brands Pty Ltd
and for this team was instructed to achieve the following goals. The team goals for helping
Apparel Brands Pty Ltd to set up new venture are:
1. To establish own brand value in manufacturing and retail industry
2. To make new advertisement strategies for building consumer awareness
3. To implement e-commerce websites to enhance customer base and profit margins.
a) Among the above the team goals, team was able to achieve the goal 2 and goal 3 but goal 1
was not achieved. Goal 1 cannot be achieved because establishment of own brand value in retail
and manufacturing industry is not an easy task as the establishment requires several steps and it
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is impossible to achieve these steps in a matter of few days because these steps require several
years. However, team can achieve the other two goals because an advertisement strategy
building is not that complex task. Team has followed the strategies of other well-known brands
to establish strong roots in the market of clothing. The team thus achieves these new marketing
strategies development because they have worked hard to gather the information of the other
well-known brands in the market. Now the achievement of the third goal also was not that
complex task for the team because presently almost all brands are opting for online shopping
because this kind of online shopping enables the sellers to reach to the target customers more
efficiently and thus this goal achievement was an easy task for the team. However, goal one was
not that easy for the team to achieve because own brand creation requires lot of time and
investment and it is not possible to maintain a stringent amount of investment which in this case
of $30,000.
b) The identification of one issue that is encountered with respect to the tasks is the
communication gap between the team members. The team members don’t allow the transparency
between them and this leads to the evolution of the problems. This communication problem can
be encountered in almost all teams. Thus it is required for a team to overcome this problem
because then only team goals can be achieved. Communication gap mainly evolves between
teamwork because individuals always look to maximize their own interest while working in
team. In order to reduce the problems that arises due to communication gap, some of strategies
must be adopted and these strategies are:
 Usage of the right medium for sharing of knowledge and about the roles and
responsibilities of each of the team member
 Become focused in order to achieve the goals because this focus will help to achieve
gaols without facing any issues
 Have a strategy which creates a path of success for all team members , this kind of
everybody wins strategy will help to restore the interest of all the team members and in
this way not each individual rather all will together try to maximize their interest.
c) Possible processes for resolution of team issues are:
Brainstorming session is introduced to address the issues faced by the team members and this
brainstorm involves steps, which are discussed below:
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Brainstorming session generally implemented with a view that it will enable path of sharing of
ideas in order to improve the team activities. Some of the brainstorming process that are involved
are
 Foster of conducive environment: This kind of environment will help the team members
to reveal their ideas. This kind of environment will also enable the members to plan
because proper planning always results in achievement of the desired goals.
 Involvement of all the members: Increased engagement of all the members always results
reduction of communication gap, which is a major issue, faced while working in a team.
Involvement also enables all the team members to exchange their ideas and this share of
ideas results in achievement of the gaols.
 Reducing the judgemental process: This will help the team members to know the each
other in better manner and creation of a proper professional relationship always leads to
achievement of team goals more quickly
d) Meeting agenda that ensures that all the issues, problems and concerns are addressed properly
is discussed below:
1. Team members inputs to be implemented in the agenda since this will give all the team
members a ground of equality which will in turn reduces the evolution of problems
2. Discuss the topics on consensus with the team: This will again reduce the problems because
each individual within the team faces problems for which motivation of the team reduces.
3. Analyse the amount of time for each topic: This will help to properly implement the time
management purview.
4. Rules for the preparation of the meeting: This will help to carry out the meeting in a
disciplined manner. Distribution of this agenda with enough time before the meeting will help
the team to read materials and prepare beforehand.
5. Assign roles of each member: This will help to understand the role within the meeting and this
role-play will help to mitigate the risks. This assign of role will also help to identify the person
who will lead what role in the meeting.
6. End of the meeting with a plus: This will help to identify the goals of the team in a better
manner.
An example of a meeting agenda is given below:
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Figure 1: Meeting Agenda
(Source: Learners creation)
e) From the meeting, it is identified that the team members mainly faces the problems which are
related to the communication gap. Hence this communication gap issue should be highlighted
more with proper strategies because this kind of communication gap will lead to outcome that
can be disastrous nature. The strategies that can be implemented to resolve this communication
gap can be involvement of the team members individually in the teamwork because the increased
in the involvement will result in reduction of the communication gap.
5. Participate in the team meeting:
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a) Manager: Which goals have your team achieved?
Team member: Sir, our team achieved goal one and goal two
Manager: Very well goal one and goal two achievements are recommendable
Manager: Why goal one not being achieved by the team?
Team member: Sir this goal is not a unachievable one but it is require time to achieve this goal.
b) Manager: Which issue your team faced in the team?
Team member: Sir Communication gap issue being faced most in the team
Manager: Other than communication gap , your team has faced any problem?
Manager: Have your team come up any solution to deal with the issue?
Team member: Sir our team is thinking of increasing the team interaction because it will reduce
the gap of communication
c) Manager: Have your team thought of resolution of team issues?
Manger: Have your team included any brainstorming session or issue matrix?
Team member: Sir our team is planning to undertake a brainstorming session which involves
several steps
Manger: Could please specify the steps?
Team member: Steps involves foster of conducive environment, involvement of all the members
and reducing the judgemental process
d) Manager: Does your team have a meeting agenda?
Team member: Yes
Manger: What steps have you included in the agenda?
Team member: Our meeting agenda does involve several steps
Manger: Could please give idea about the steps?
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Team member: Implementation of the team inputs in the agenda, discussion of the topics on
consensus with the team, evaluation of the amount of time foe each topic to be discussed in the
meeting, abiding by the rules for the preparation of the meeting, assigning the roles of each
members in the meeting and ending the meeting with a plus
e) Manager: Have you prepared any take notes on the issues?
Team member: Members identified that proper strategy to be implemented.
Manager: Have you thought of any strategy?
Team member: Yes Sir, we have thought of increment of team members in the team
Manager: Nice to see the meeting agenda, but I suggest to implement other strategies to reduce
the communication gap
Team member: Thank you
Manager: Looking forward for another meeting
Team member: Yes Sir, Thank You.
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Transcript
Team member: Good morning!
Manager: Good morning team!
Manager: Hello team!
Team members: Hello Sir!
Manager: Glad to meet you all
Team member: Same here Sir
Manager: Team, I guess that you all know what is the purpose of this meeting!
Team members: Yes Sir!
Manager: Today we will discuss about the problems faced within the team
Manager: Coming straight to the purpose of the meeting
Team member: Yes Sir
Manager: How many goals your team have set?
Team members: Sir we have set three goals
Manager: Please specify the goals!
Team member: Sir goals are
1. To establish own brand value in manufacturing and retail industry
2. To make new advertisement strategies for building consumer awareness
3. To implement e-commerce websites to enhance customer base and profit margins.
Manager: Nice to see the goals which your team have set
Manager: Which goals have your team achieved?
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Manager: Please specify!
Team member: Sir, our team achieved goal one and goal two
Manager: Very well goal two and goal three achievements are recommendable
Manager: Why goal one not being achieved by the team?
Team member: Sir this goal one achievement is not impossible
Manager: What problems your team is facing while achieving this goal
Team member: Sir this goal requires time if get some time more then our team can surely
achieve this goal
Manager: What kind of issues your team faced within the team?
Team member: Sir Communication gap issue being faced most in the team
Manager: Other than communication gap , your team has faced any problem?
Manager: Have your team come up any solution to deal with the issue?
Team member: Sir our team is thinking of increasing the team interaction because it will reduce
the gap of communication
Manager: Have your team thought of resolution of team issues?
Manger: Have your team included any brainstorming session or issue matrix?
Team member: Sir our team is planning to undertake a brainstorming session which involves
several steps
Manger: Could please specify the steps?
Team member: Steps involves foster of conducive environment, involvement of all the
members and reducing the judgemental process
Manager: Does your team have a meeting agenda?
Team member: Yes
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Manger: What steps have you included in the agenda?
Team member: Our meeting agenda does involve several steps
Manger: Could please give idea about the steps?
Team member: Implementation of the team inputs in the agenda, discussion of the topics on
consensus with the team, evaluation of the amount of time foe each topic to be discussed in the
meeting, abiding by the rules for the preparation of the meeting, assigning the roles of each
members in the meeting and ending the meeting with a plus
Manager: Have you prepared any take notes on the issues?
Team member: Members identified that proper strategy to be implemented.
Manager: Have you thought of any strategy?
Team member: Yes Sir, we have thought of increment of team members in the team
Manager: Nice to see the meeting agenda, but I suggest to implement other strategies to reduce
the communication gap
Team member: Thank you
Manager: Looking forward for another meeting
Team member: Yes Sir, Thank You.
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Assessment Task 3
1. Review
The workplace information on Apparel Brands Pty Ltd shows that the company is aiming at
evolving a new e-commerce project and for doing this; the company has set up a specialized
team that will help in the setup of the e-commerce project.
2. Meeting initiative
To initiate meeting of 2. 30 hours between the team members and manager of the company
3. Consultation with manager
Team mainly lags to achieve the goal 1 and the main issue between the team was the
communication gap.
4. Own solutions to improve team performance and achieve the gaols
a) The manager has approved the meeting agenda and the strategies that are being planned by the
team to overcome the issues encountered by the team.
b) The manager has asked to come up with more strategies to fight with the communication gap
problem.
5. Meet with the team members to resolve the performance issues
Team members are encouraged to increase the interaction between them because this increase in
the interaction will lead to evolution of professional relationship and this kind of relationship will
help to reduce the problems within the team.
6. Team performance issues
a) Open communication process is being maintained between the manager and the team. This
communication process is encouraged by conducting the meeting between the manager and the
team members.
b) The open communication process is encouraged by conducting team meeting where the
manger is also being involved. The involvement of the manager in the team has resulted in
positive input from the member outside the team.
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c) i) For building group behaviour in order to build team cohesion strategy that is involved is
development of ground for feedback from all the team members.
ii) Team members are being supported by providing training on communication process which
involves team gaols achievement process and many more.
iii) The strategies used overcome the issue are to increase the involvement of the team member,
to foster transparency between the each members of the team.
d) Corrective actions taken to ensure that the team goals are achieved are:
 Facilitation of communication as a team and between individuals
 Set clear objectives of the teamwork
 Conduct training on workforce diversity
7.
Assessment 3 – Third-party report for candidate:
Did the candidate provide you with information from manager? Y/N
What was the information?
Provided information such as the implementation of more strategies to overcome the issues within the
team
Did the candidate help you to achieve goals by overcoming issues
with achieving activities on performance plan?
Y/N
Describe how?
Yes, the candidate helped to achieve the goals by overcoming the issues and the candidates mainly helped
by cooperating within themselves.
Team member/observer’s name: Signature and date:
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Candidate’s name: Signature and date:
25