W1_LaShae Davis_Tuckman Analysis Assignment

1.     Problem Recognition, Definition and Evaluation

Problem is to determine which of Tuckman’s Stages our team is in and use that to determine which leadership style is appropriate to use for the stage we are in.

According to Tuckman, there are four stages of Team Development, Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing. In order to determine in what stage a team is, 32 questions must be answered by each member of the team.

Table 1 Showing outcome of the 32 questions on Tuckman’s Team Formation stages.

Based on above table, the team is currently in the Forming stage, with the highest score of 34.

1.   Development of Feasible Alternatives

The possible leadership styles (alternatives) appropriate for this stage of team formation are:

a)     Autocratic

b)    Democratic

c)    Transactional

d)    Laissez-faire

2.     Develop the outcomes for each alternative

Based on the assessment, BISTRO 12, is currently in the Forming stage. The team is assembled and the tasks have been allocated.  We are still behaving largely independently and still have a way to go to build unconditional trust.  Since it is still not clear how we will perform the best leadership style to be adopted at this stage is Autocratic. With apparent lack of clear direction, this is the stage at which the team leader should make decisions as soon as possible, retain responsibilities and ‘tell’ the team members what to do.

3.     Selection of the acceptable criteria

      The criteria are the possible leadership styles

4.     Analysis and comparison of the alternatives

Autocratic leaders make decisions and assume responsibility within reasonable time without having to wait unduly for other members that lack clarity on what to do.

Democratic leader are characterized by lengthy decision making process because of the attitude to involve everyone in decision making. The team is large, geographically dispersed, has varying levels of commitment within the team and we are already in danger of falling behind our plan.  At this point we can’t risk further delay due to ineffective time to make decisions.

Transactional leadership is not ideal in this stage because it is based on motivating followers through a system of rewards (carrot) and punishments (stick). However, no punishment should be administered in a situation where clarity is lacking on details of requirements and it is be to early to give award based on exceptional performance.

As laissez-faire leaders leave team members to work on their own, this style is not advised until the team well understands what is required of them and has less pressure on timelines.  Based on the milestones in this team, laissz-faire may never be appropriate for this team.

5.   Select the preferred alternative

The preferred alternative is Autocratic leadership style during team’s forming stage.

6.   Performance Monitoring & Post Evaluation of Result

Team performance will bet racked on weekly using SPI and CPI as key performance indicators.  Another less scientific way to measure performance of the team and movement into the next phase is the number of members who are “fired” or drop off voluntarily.

References:

1.         Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing:  Helping new teams perform effectively, quickly

Retrieved from:

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_86.htm

2.         Forming – Storming – Norming – Perfroming

Retrieved from:

http://www.teambuilding.co.uk/Forming_Storming_Norming_Performing.html

3.         Different leadership styles for different team development stages

Retrieved from:

http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2012/05/31/different-leadership-styles-for-different-team-development-stages

4.         Leadership Style and Team Development Stages

http://www.pmcomplete.com/BPM/HTML/bpm03hv.asp

5.         Different Leadership styles for different team development stages

http://www.theindependent.co.zw/2012/05/31/different-leadership-styles-for-different-team-development-stages/