1) If there is a team project and suppose you have been selected as the leader of a three-person team approaching a crucial deadline. One member of the team is not pulling his weight. He avoids assignments, complains about the amount of work, and says the project doesnt really matter.
As the team leader, consider the following possible responses to the situation:
Divide the workload evenly among members of the group, making sure everyone knows he is responsible for his share. If the group member still does not pull his own weight, bring it up with the instructor.
Speak with him in private and offer him moral encouragement to complete his
portion of the project. If the group member still does not pull his own weight, bring it
up with the boss.
Try to get the team member motivated to do his work. If that doesnt help the
situation, just put more effort into the project yourself in order to complete it.
Just do the group members portion of the assignment in addition to your own, and tell the boss about the situation.
See if the person could be removed from your group.
Consult with the non-problematic group member about the most appropriate course.
So think about the following questions:
What are you most likely to do and why?
What are you least likely to do and why?
2) You’ve likely all had experience with Devil’s Advocates, those people who argue against a cause or position, not as committed opponents but simply for the sake of argument or to determine the validity of the cause or position.
Consider the pros and cons of having a team member who plays the role of a Devil’s Advocate. How might the person’s tendency to argue points benefit the collaborative process? How might the role of the Devil’s Advocate harm the collaborative process?
