A global IT group launched a new product development by cross$-$functional team design where team members were selected

worldwide. The newly appointed chief technology officer $($CTO$),$ who had no previous involvement with the process, added new

expectations, made changes in priorities, and publicly commented negatively about the team$$s interactions with senior functional

managers. The team$$s work abruptly slowed down, morale dropped, and expectations of success disappeared. Also, the inability to

meet face$-$to$-$face with team members added to their frustration at this critical time.

a$)$ Discuss and identify the problems caused by the CTO$$s approach to the product development design team.

b$)$ Brainstorm strategies you could use to strengthen the team.

c$)$ Assume you are the team leader. Prepare a list of guidelines about how the CTO should interact with any cross$-$functional

team in the future.