A hidden and often undiscussed element of effective teamwork is the mood, or climate, that exists within the team. A productive atmosphere doesn't just happen, it requires conscious work. The following quiz is a start to understanding, and perhaps improving, the atmosphere that exists within your team.

Instructions:

Take the quiz without looking at the answers, but when you are reviewing the anwers, the questions and answers are "linked" so that you can easily move back and forth between them. When you've totaled your scores, find out how to interpret the score.

1. The team leader has just made an impassioned plea to improve the level of cooperation that exists within the group. As the discussion develops you note:

2. Which of the following statements best describes the level of risk taking, innovation, imagination, and initiative by members of the group:

3. Describe the level of communication between team members:

4. Mary, a senior member of the team, and Jose, a junior member of the team, are on opposite sides of an important issue. Both of their positions have merit. You notice that as Mary and Jose present their arguments, other team members:

5. The team gathers for the monthly progress and problem report about reaching individual and departmental objectives. Describe the meeting:

6. Your team is involved in the annual planning, budgeting and strategy setting meeting. During the critique period:

7. Your team is faced with making a decision on a very controversial and emotionally charged issue. The leader has asked for each individual to express his/her views. The first thought that comes to your mind is:

8. One of your team members has asked for some time on the meeting agenda to seek the help and cooperation of other team members on his/her assignment. During the ensuring team discussion you feel that:

9. All the supervisors in your department meet annually to rank the employees for salary treatment and promotional potential. You feel the discussion can best be described as:

10. Your manager has just asked every member of the team to independently study and submit a detailed plan for implementing a total Employee Involvement/Quality program in their area of responsibility. In subsequent conversations with other team members, the feeling is:

Question 1

A=10, B=8, C=6, D=4, E=2

A "we-ness" exists in the team. Members work toward a common, understood goal and are willing to subordinate their need for "I" time. Gains are thought of as team gains and the competition is not between team members.

Question 2

A=4, B=10, C=2, D=9, E=6

Team members feel free to experiment and take risks. Failures are seen as an opportunity to learn and grow, not as a forum for placing blame. A self-managing team has a norm of individual responsibility and initiative. Team members appreciate that good "followership" involves taking the responsibility and initiative to influence other team members and the teams direction.

Question 3

A=2, B=4, C=6, D=8, E=10

A positive team atmosphere can be summed up in one phrase: open two-way communications. Members feel free to share feelings with others because they know they will be heard and considered.

Question 4

A=6, B=10, C=8, D=2, E=4

Each team member is seen as having a value to the team. As a result, people do not have to compete for air time. The attitude exists that we need to seriously consider everyone's opinions and views. Even those who are not the top performer are given time to express their views and the opportunity to influence the team.

Question 5

A=10, B=8, C=6, D=4, E=2

When trust is lacking, cliques and political maneuvering help members protect themselves from other team members. Infighting and deception, instead of cooperation, are the acceptable behaviors.

Question 6

A=2, B=4, C=6, D=8, E=10

Conflicts and differences of opinions are suppressed under the guise of, "if you can't say anything constructive, don't say anything at all". Contrast this to a positive team atmosphere where conflicts and differences are openly discussed, not with the aim of declaring a winner or looser but to benefit the communication and problem solving process in the team. Effective teams do not shy away from conflict, they use it to their advantage.

Question 7

A=10, B=2, C=6, D= 4, E=8

In an untrusting, non-supportive environment, members feel they have to put up a facade because to let people know who they really are would result in them being vulnerable and hurt. In a positive team atmosphere, differences between people are seen as strengths, not weaknesses. These differences need to be understood and accepted as assets for better team performance.

Question 8

A=2, B=4, C=6, D=8, E=10

Hidden agenda and posturing are the rules in a team that has a poor atmosphere. Honest discussion of needs, expectations, and goals leads to teamwork.

Question 9

A=10, B=8, C=6, D=4, E=2

A supportive atmosphere is typified by a willingness to take risks, express opinions, and venture new or different ideas. Team members feel they will be listened to and not be belittled for openly expressing their viewpoints. Criticism and placing blame are not part of an effective team's atmosphere.

Question 10

A=2, B=4, C=6, D=8, E=10

Trust is the foundation for a high quality team atmosphere. Without it, only superficial teamwork is present. Members are more concerned with issues of power, authority, competition for attention, and political maneuvering rather than working together as a team. Some teams never develop the trust to operate beyond the level of committee or task force groups.