1. Which of the eight characteristics of team excellence are lacking in this team?
2. Based on this analysis of team effectiveness, should Jim intervene at this time, or should he just keep monitoring the team? If you think he should take action, at what level should he intervene (internal or external)? If internal, should his action be task or relational?
3. What specific leadership functions should Jim implement to improve the team? Why?
Jim Towne heads a newly formed virtual information technology team tasked with developing and implementing technology innovations for all global units of a major corporation. Twenty professionals work on the team. Most of the work is done virtually, although the team has had two face-to-face sessions.
Team members like their assignments, respect each other, and enjoy being part of the team. However, they have had some difficulty getting off the ground and are overworked and overwhelmed. Most team members travel extensively and find the travel only sets them further behind at work. Jim is under great pressure to prove that the team can work and provide value to the company.