You've recently started a new job managing a Customer Service helpdesk. In your first few weeks, you quickly realise that most of the team members are introverts and don't converse much. - even in your 1-to-1's. There is poor team spirit and hence quite low job satisfaction.
What would be the most effective reaction to this situation?
Call a one-off emergency meeting to highlight objectives and the lack of collaboration.
Start by introducing half-hour, weekly catch-up meetings for the whole team.
Implement compulsory training courses on interpersonal skills as soon as possible.
Familiarise yourself with the team objectives, then email regular updates on each one's progress.
Correct answer is B
(B) is the MOST effective response to the presented scenario. The key issue here is for you, as manager, to improve collaboration. Introducing short weekly meetings will do this in what should be perceived as an acceptable manner by your team. It's always good advice to select the solution likely to prove most effective in the long-term.
The LEAST effective response is (option (A). Rather than reminding colleagues of their team objectives, you need to be encouraging more regular team communication. A one-off meeting - even if it's given high priority - will not improve collaboration over the longer-term.
Regarding answer option (C); interpersonal skills training does offer some value. Still it's only one, albeit an important, component of effective collaboration.
Answer option (D) may work in the long-term. However it is not as proactive as option (B).