Question

From the case scenario answer the questions:

Sarah was a proficient developer. She was knowledgeable in systems development and understood the technology that the team was implementing. At the beginning of the project, she completed her coding assignments ahead of schedule and indicated she could take on more work. Halfway through the project, her performance slowed down dramatically and every time the project manager walked up to her desk, you’d see the screen flicker as she pressed the Alt-Tab key (which switches between top-level windows without using the mouse). Social media and online shopping websites quickly switched to the Eclipse integrated development tool that the project team was using to develop the product. Sarah admitted to slacking because the assignments were no longer challenging to her.
As a Project Manager, answer the following:
1. What action would you take to resolve the issue?
2. What methods can you use to motivate Sarah on this project?
3. What personality type do you think Sarah is?

Answer 1

To address Sarah's performance slowdown, the Project Manager should personally engage with her to find more challenging tasks and clarify her career goals. Motivating Sarah could involve opportunities for advancement and recognition for her skills. Identifying her as a Type A personality, characterized by ambition and a need for challenge, may help in applying more targeted motivational strategies.

Step-by-step explanation:

To resolve the issue with Sarah, the Project Manager should have a one-on-one meeting to discuss her recent performance dip and understand her motivations and career aspirations. During the meeting, the manager might want to offer Sarah more complex and stimulating assignments to keep her challenged and engaged. Providing recognition for her earlier contributions and discussing potential career progression within the company might also help in boosting her morale and productivity.

To motivate Sarah, the manager could use a variety of methods, including offering her opportunities for professional development, assigning her to work on new, challenging tasks, or allowing her to lead a piece of work or a small team. Allowing for flexible working arrangements or incorporating elements of gamification in her tasks could also contribute to her motivation.

Based on the scenario, Sarah could be described as a Type A personality; she is driven, competitive, and ambitious, which might explain why she finds the lack of challenge demotivating. Understanding Sarah's personality type can help tailor the motivational strategies to meet her specific needs and help her thrive in her role.