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ACCA Strategic Professional · Strategic Business Leader · Leading and managing projects

Halden Logistics is launching a warehouse automation project. The project manager has a team of experienced engineers who are keen and capable but have never worked together. In the first weeks there is polite behaviour, uncertainty about roles and heavy reliance on the manager for direction. Under Tuckman's model of team development, which stage is the team in, and what leadership style is most appropriate?

The team is at the forming stage of Tuckman's model, shown by politeness, unclear roles and dependence on the manager. The most suitable approach is directive leadership, giving clear goals, structure and role definitions until the team gains confidence and cohesion.

  1. AForming; a directive style providing clear goals, roles and structureCorrect
  2. BStorming; a participative style to resolve conflict over roles
  3. CNorming; a delegating style as standards have been agreed
  4. DPerforming; a hands-off style as the team is self-managing

Explanation

Polite behaviour, uncertainty about roles and dependence on the leader are features of the forming stage. Here the leader should direct, clarifying objectives and roles. Storming would involve open conflict and challenge, which is not described.

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