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At the first meeting, team members appear to have a difference of opinion regarding the direction of the project. Robin and Khalil want to discuss the general goals of the events. Jordan and Adam believe that it's unnecessary to spend time discussing goals and philosophy and want to go straight to discussing team ground rules and making assignments. You're in the unenviable position of being the tie-breaker. Your vote can take the team in one of two directions: ironing out the general goals or establishing team ground rules and assignments. Which direction will you choose

User Alistra
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2 Answers

6 votes

Final answer:

Opting to first clarify general goals is important for aligning the team and avoiding future conflicts and costs associated with lack of clarity, despite the immediate appeal of establishing ground rules and tasks.

Step-by-step explanation:

Confronted with a team at a crossroads over whether to discuss the general goals of the project or to jump into establishing team ground rules and making assignments, it's essential to weigh the potential outcomes and processes.

On one hand, establishing general goals lays a foundational understanding of the project's direction, ensuring all members are aligned with its purpose which can reduce conformity costs in the long run. On the other hand, setting team ground rules and assigning tasks allows for immediate action and addresses the coordination challenges head-on, albeit possibly leading to transaction costs due to necessary renegotiations if disagreements on goals arise later. Considering the long-term ramifications and the necessity for clarity on mission and purpose before proceeding to specifics, I would advocate for clarifying the general goals first.

Whether in trivial decisions such as choosing a restaurant or in complex organizational projects, the process of defining goals and facilitating decision-making is a delicate but crucial aspect that shapes the final outcome and satisfaction of group members.

User Crocobag
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3 votes

Answer:

The correct answer is the second option: to go straight to discussing team ground rules and making assignments.

Step-by-step explanation:

To begin with, in the case presented the team must understand that the general goals and the philosophy behind their actions and operations at the time of working must been already understood by everyone at that point due to the fact that those things are mentionated before start the action. Therefore that as Jordan and Adam said, it is unnecessary to discuss the things that they already must undersood, if they did their previous homework, and must go straight to the action and gain time instead of lossing it. Moreover, by doing that they will have time enough to even correct mistakes that they make during the process, so that is why to go straight to the action is the correct option to take.

User Trek Glowacki
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