Effective Collaboration Quiz

Mason, Nora, and Ava are part of a school project team. What is one problem they might face if they are not an effective team?

• Jumping right into the project without a plan or strategy

• Assigning clear roles for each team member

• Lack of strong leadership by the smartest person in the team

• Encouraging alternative points of view for the project

Answer explanation

Jumping right into the project without a plan or strategy can lead to confusion and disorganization, making it difficult for Mason, Nora, and Ava to work effectively together and achieve their project goals.

What do less than effective teams believe about school?

• Just doing stuff is what school is all about

• Having a clear goal and strategy is important

• Assigning clear roles is crucial

• Valuing different opinions is necessary

Answer explanation

Less than effective teams often view school as merely completing tasks, believing that just doing stuff is what it's all about. This mindset lacks focus on goals, roles, and valuing opinions, which are essential for effective teamwork.

What is the difference between responsibilities and roles?

• Responsibilities are more about making the group work fairly.

• Roles are more about helping the group work effectively to avoid the ill effects of group think.

• There is no difference between responsibilities and roles

• Responsibilities are clearly more effective than roles. Getting work done is what collaboration is all about.

Answer explanation

Roles focus on enhancing group effectiveness and preventing groupthink, while responsibilities are about ensuring fairness in the group's work. Thus, the correct choice highlights the importance of roles in collaboration.

Who is often responsible for the failure of a team?

• The entire team that does not get their stuff done quickly.

• A couple of members who want to think their way through a challenge.

• A team leader who thinks they need to make most of the decisions for the group.

• The person playing devil's advocate

Answer explanation

The team leader often holds the most influence over decisions, which can lead to a lack of collaboration and stifle creativity. When they dominate the decision-making process, it can hinder the team's overall effectiveness.

What is the goal of effective collaboration?

• To have a clear plan and strategy

• To assign clear roles

• To value dissent

• To have every person in the group have a voice

Answer explanation

The goal of effective collaboration is to ensure that every person in the group has a voice. This fosters inclusivity, encourages diverse perspectives, and enhances the overall decision-making process.

What is the role of a facilitator in a team?

• To make the process of decision making fair and equitable.

• To help the team track decision making within timeframes

• To help the team think outside the box

• To make group work fun and interesting.

Answer explanation

The facilitator's primary role is to ensure that the decision-making process is fair and equitable, allowing all team members to contribute equally and feel valued, which is crucial for effective teamwork.

What does an effective group establish?

• Norms, goals and roles

• Clear Responsibilities for each team member.

• A clear leader or group of leaders who are most capable of leading and making decisions quickly.

• Personal aspirations

Answer explanation

An effective group establishes norms, goals, and roles to create a structured environment that guides behavior and expectations, ensuring that all members work towards common objectives.

What should each team member be committed to?

• The success of the team

• Neglecting their responsibilities

• Working separately from the team in order to get their work done.

• Keeping their personal goals secret

Answer explanation

Each team member should be committed to the success of the team, as collaboration and shared goals are essential for achieving collective objectives. The other options promote individualism, which undermines teamwork.

What weakens a team's ability to meet goals and expectations?

• The information the team knows and understands

• The information the team does not know or understand

• The team's commitment to success

• The team's personal goals

Answer explanation

The information the team does not know or understand weakens their ability to meet goals, as gaps in knowledge can lead to poor decision-making and hinder progress towards objectives.

What do effective groups consist of?

• Team members who dedicate themselves to the group's success

• Team members who neglect their responsibilities

• Team members who work separately from the team

• Team members who have personal aspirations that are more important that the team's goals.

Answer explanation

Effective groups consist of team members who are committed to the group's success. This dedication fosters collaboration and ensures that everyone works towards common goals, unlike those who neglect responsibilities or prioritize personal aspirations.