Question

In successful teams, some people play a task specialist role and put more of their energy into promoting the team’s performance of its work, while other people play a socioemotional role and put more of their energy into sustaining team members’ social satisfaction so that they stay engaged in the team. You are part of a productive team, and at a recent team meeting, you heard your coworkers make the following statements.

For each example of a statement made during a team meeting, indicate the role of the speaker.

1. Elise said, “I don’t think Julián and Ethan are really that far apart here. Their ideas have a lot of overlap.” SOCIOEMOTIONAL OR TASK SPECIALIST

2. Ethan said, “Folks, I’ve just had a brainstorm! We could get the people in sales to communicate our message to customers. They’ll be good at it, they’ll enjoy it, and the message will get out really fast.” SOCIOEMOTIONAL OR TASK SPECIALIST

Answer 1

1. Elise said, “I don’t think Julián and Ethan are really that far apart here. Their ideas have a lot of overlap.” SOCIOEMOTIONAL

2. Ethan said, “Folks, I’ve just had a brainstorm! We could get the people in sales to communicate our message to customers. They’ll be good at it, they’ll enjoy it, and the message will get out really fast.” TASK SPECIALIST

Answer 2

1. socioemotional

2. task specialist