1.
(Formative Exercise) During A1C Hall’s initial feedback, SSgt Irvin says, "When working the customer service desk, answer all phone calls before the third ring, politely identify yourself and this unit, and offer assistance to each caller. Furthermore, because our nation and other countries consider us professionals, we must strive for excellence in everything we do. Finally, if you fail to meet my expectations or to comply with all directives, you can expect a swift response from me."
SSgt Irvin’s actions BEST illustrate _____________.
Correct Answer
A. Standards and discipline
Explanation
SSgt Irvin’s actions best illustrate standards and discipline, which according to the Standards and Discipline chapter, includes preventive and corrective discipline. Preventive discipline stops a problem from happening before it starts. Examples of preventive discipline are initial feedbacks, safety briefings, etc. Standards form the foundation for expectations and discipline and they must be achievable/ attainable (answer phone calls), specific (before the third ring), observable (before third ring…), and measurable: quality (politely).
2.
(Formative Exercise) SSgt Vera is concerned about her subordinate, A1C Jackson. When he first arrived to the unit, he was an eager self-starter and had plenty of questions during his initial feedback to make sure he understood his supervisor’s line of acceptability. However, last week Jackson failed to complete his assignments by the deadline, causing production to fall. Vera waits and hopes he will self-correct. Today, Jackson missed another important deadline. Fed up, Vera issues Jackson a letter of admonishment.
SSgt Vera’s _____________ will MOST likely ______________ her effectiveness.
Correct Answer
C. Inappropriate use of PDP; decrease
Explanation
According to the Standards and Discipline chapter, counseling is the first step of the PDP. SSgt Vera should have started with either a verbal counseling or an LOC the first time Jackson failed to meet standards (failed to complete assignments). Although supervisors have flexibility for what level of PDP a supervisor can start with, counseling should still be the first step in situations that are not exceptionally severe. A1C Jackson will probably become distrusting of his supervisor and the mission will likely suffer due to the deteriorated relationship.
3.
(Formative Exercise) SSgt Tolley is writing a performance report on SrA Folk, one of his customer service representatives. Tolley received information from Folk’s shift leader, reviewed Folk’s training records, and even spoke to some of his customers. Finally, he looked at Folk’s quality assurance inspection results. Using all this information, he proceeded to compose the performance report.
SSgt Tolley’s actions BEST illustrate ________ and their impact on NCO effectiveness.
Correct Answer
C. Indirect Observation and Checking Completed Products
Explanation
SSgt Tolley uses both indirect observation and checking a completed product. According to the Performance Evaluation lesson, indirect observation involves relying on someone else to provide you with information about how your subordinate is performing (received information from Folk’s shift leader). Checking a completed product involves reviewing products or services and talking to customers who received the product or service. It also includes staff assistance visits and assessments (QA inspection results).
4.
(Formative Exercise) TSgt Smith is writing performance reports on two Airmen. Although he cannot actually observe the Airmen working because they work on another shift, he reviews their completed work and occasionally asks their shift supervisor for feedback on their performance. In the final report, he leaves out factors that do not contribute to performance, ignores nonessential elements of the job, and is careful not to give undue weight to isolated incidents.
TSgt Smith’s __________ will MOST likely __________ his effectiveness.
Correct Answer
B. Appropriate use of evaluation principles; enhance
Explanation
According to the Performance Evaluation lesson, Evaluation Principles include Methods of Monitoring (Direct, Indirect, Observing a Completed Product/Service) and Common Pitfalls (relevancy errors: factors that do not contribute to performance, nonessential elements of the job, and undue weight elements). TSgt Smith monitors his Airmen’s performance as evidence by the statements “…reviews their completed work” and “discusses their performance with their shift supervisor.” Smith also writes EPRs that do not include factors that do not contribute to performance and nonessential elements of the job nor give undue weight to isolated incidents. All of these actions are appropriate and will MOST likely enhance, not hinder Smith’s effectiveness.
5.
(Formative Exercise) During a feedback session with SrA Wiley, MSgt Campbell says, "Your coworkers and I have fielded too many calls from your creditors complaining about missed payments. You and I discussed personal financial responsibility during your initial feedback. Your actions have impacted this work center; therefore, to prevent further disruption, I expect you to take care of this situation. Let’s discuss your options." After working through an action plan together, Campbell tells Wiley, "I think you have the potential, but this matter needs to be handled."
MSgt Campbell’s _________ will MOST likely _________ SrA Wiley’s effectiveness.
Correct Answer
A. Appropriate use of rehabilitative feedback; enhance
Explanation
According to the Performance Evaluation lesson, it is appropriate to use rehabilitative feedback when subordinates violate a standard or fall below the line of acceptability. In this scenario, SrA Wiley is having financial problems (several vendors have called complaining about your missed payments) that are impacting his duty performance (productivity decreases and you are rude to your teammates). MSgt Campbell should use rehabilitative feedback to bring Wiley’s behavior back within acceptable boundaries and enhance Wiley’s effectiveness.
6.
(Formative Exercise) While reading his newcomer’s orientation package, SSgt Rooney sees the statement, "In order to become the best public affairs office in the military, we need to advance public understanding of the military, share information with the public, and represent the interests of military journalists by instilling tradition, knowledge, and leadership in our journalists."
This statement BEST illustrates a _____________.
Correct Answer
C. Team mission and vision statement
Explanation
The statement illustrates a team mission and vision statement. According to the Team Leader chapter, a mission statement defines the "where and what" work centers, units, wings, etc. accomplish on a daily basis. A vision statement considers what the organization wants to be (a preferred end state). It can provide the “how well” when it comes to accomplishing one’s mission.
7.
(Formative Exercise) As his team considers potential solutions for solving a long-term problem SSgt Clive hears SrA Staple say to A1C Lew, "Initially, I acted like your scheduling idea was too simplistic, but the truth is I was jealous because I didn’t think of it. It’s actually a great idea and I think we should try it right away." Lew responds, "Thanks, I appreciate your honesty and I am glad we’re able work out our differences." SSgt Clive chimes in with, "I think your cooperation will keep all of us from working 12-hour shifts and by continuing to develop your relationship, you are setting a good example for our new team members."
If this team remains in the ____stage, then its productivity will MOST likely ________.
Correct Answer
C. Norming; remain high
Explanation
The team is in the Norming Stage during which, according to the Team Leader chapter, is the stage when attitudes change (…idea was too simplistic…actually a great idea team) ‘norms’ are accepted, relationships become more cooperative (…your cooperation will keep all of us) and members reconcile disputes (…able work out our differences). During this stage, productivity is high.
8.
(Formative Exercise) SSgt Burnham tells his coworker, "I wish I was still deployed. At least the leadership of that joint unit understood the differences in personalities and the strengths and weaknesses of members from our sister services. No matter how difficult the mission, they were aware of our emotions and feelings and despite the cultural differences, they always found a way to respect individual characteristics and to tap into what each person brought to the mission. Their approach not only ensured mission success, it improved our appreciation for one another and enhanced my understanding of others’ values and beliefs."
SSgt Burnham’s joint unit BEST illustrates ___________ impact on mission effectiveness.
Correct Answer
B. Social Sensitivity and its
Explanation
The scenario best illustrates Social Sensitivity, which, according to the Diversity chapter, is genuinely internalizing the essence of diversity and seeking ways to incorporate diversity in behaviors, daily routines, and operations. It includes developing a keen awareness and understanding of others’ emotions, feelings, personality, temperaments, strengths, cultural differences, values, and beliefs in order to better understand the individual characteristics of who we work with, what each person brings to the mission, and to improve our appreciation and respect for one another.
9.
(Formative Exercise) As the new NCOIC, TSgt Milton reviews customer surveys and immediately calls a work center meeting. "This morning I will share my expectations for this team and discuss how we can assist one another," says Milton. "I also need to know what you need and expect from me that will help you accomplish your responsibilities more effectively. For example, do you need equipment, additional training, or help with a personal matter?" Cautiously SrA Brady asks, "I get the impression that you think our section is in need of drastic improvement. Is this true?" Milton replies, "Not exactly. I simply believe that there is a lot of untapped potential within this team."
TSgt Milton’s ________ will MOST likely ________ unit effectiveness.
Correct Answer
C. Effective use of the FAIR Way; enhance
Explanation
TSgt Milton’s effective use of the FAIR Way will MOST likely enhance unit effectiveness. According to the Diversity chapter, the FAIR Way includes Feedback (giving/receiving) about expectations, how to meet them, and discovering what subordinates need (equipment/training/resources). Assistance is making sure workers have what they need and its encouraging workers to assist one another. Inclusion is making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the workplace. Respect is recognizing each person’s unique value, contributions, and potential to the organization.
10.
(Formative Exercise) During an initial EPR feedback session, MSgt Aldo tells SSgt Alexander, "I expect you to know what your job is, how to do it, and to perform it to the best of your ability. Furthermore, I will accept nothing less than ethical behavior at all times and I expect NCOs to accept full responsibility for their actions. Finally, faithfulness, obedience, respectfulness, and initiative are important to me."
MSgt Aldo’s comments BEST explain _____________.
Correct Answer
C. Followership traits
Explanation
MSgt Aldo’s comments best explain followership traits which, according to the Leader Influence chapter, include competence (know what your job is, how to do it, and to perform it), integrity (ethical behavior…accept full responsibility for their actions), loyalty (faithfulness, obedience, and respectfulness), and initiative.
11.
(Formative Exercise) During a mid-term performance feedback session, TSgt Finn reminds SSgt Rafferty, "As I’ve said in the past, faithfulness to peers, subordinates, and to me is important. So is your enthusiasm and motivation for taking the initiative. I appreciate your willingness to make decisions, act on them, and accept responsibility for your decisions. Your actions seem to prompt your subordinates to always support the unit's mission with passion."
This scenario BEST illustrates _____________ and their impact on unit effectiveness.
Correct Answer
A. Leadership traits
Explanation
This scenario is about leadership traits, which according to the Leader Influence chapter, include among others: loyalty (faithfulness to peers, subordinates, and to me), energy (enthusiasm and motivation for taking the initiative), and decisiveness (willingness to make decisions, etc.)
12.
(Formative Exercise) SSgt Cordell tells his team, "I know the task before you is going to take a lot of overtime. It will require personal sacrifice on your part; however, I believe you are up to the challenge so expect a one-day pass when it’s all finished."
SSgt Cordell's use of ______ power will MOST likely__________ unit effectiveness.
Correct Answer
D. Position; enhance
Explanation
According to the Leader Influence chapter, position power includes legitimate, reward, coercive, and connection and is derived from the position within the organization. In this situation, SSgt Cordell uses his position as team leader to promise a reward (one-day pass). The promise of a reward (effective use of position power) will most likely increase subordinate commitment levels, which in turn will enhance unit effectiveness.
13.
(Formative Exercise) TSgt West contacts the Vehicle Distribution Flight and says, "I would like to request a large truck to haul away some old office equipment." The dispatcher on duty, SSgt Freeman replies, "I have one truck available, but you would need to return it by noon today so I can support another high-priority request." West says, "That won’t work. I’ll need it for at least two days." After some thought Freeman says, "Could you wait until tomorrow? That way I could use the vehicle to support this other requirement and you can use it for the rest of the week." West tells Freeman, "I understand the position you’re in and will gladly stop by in the morning to sign out the truck."
This scenario BEST illustrates the use of the _____________ strategy for negotiating and its impact of NCO effectiveness.
Correct Answer
C. Cooperate
Explanation
TSgt West and SSgt Freeman cooperate which, according to the Introduction to Negotiating chapter, is useful when a party desires to achieve a mutually satisfying outcome while simultaneously managing the relationship. SSgt Freeman attempts to achieve a mutually satisfying outcome as evidence by the statements, “Could you wait until tomorrow? That way I could use the vehicle to support this other requirement (Freeman’s need) and allows you to use it for the rest of the week (West’s need).” West, in-turn, acknowledges the challenge Freeman is facing (supporting West and a high-priority request) and agrees to his offer, which supports not only the tasks at hand but the relationship as well.
14.
(Formative Exercise) After failing their Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), SSgt Shire must prepare her work center for the re-inspection. After taking into account the experience of the Airmen she has available to help, she calls a team meeting and opens it by saying, "We only have a few weeks left before the re-inspection and a passing score is absolutely necessary. Therefore, I have created a plan to review every item on the ORI checklist. To accomplish this, I have assigned you to teams to work specific sections of the checklist." Shire closed the meeting, answered a few questions, and reconciled a heated debate among the Airmen. Shortly after, she overhears a few Senior Airmen complaining about their assigned tasks.
SSgt Shire’s ____________, will MOST likely ___________ her effectiveness.
Correct Answer
A. Consideration of the who, stakes, and situation; enhance
Explanation
SSgt Shire’s consideration of the Who, the Stakes, and the Situation will most likely enhance her effectiveness. According to the Introduction to Negotiating chapter, the ‘Who’ refers to people you are you dealing with. The ‘Stakes’ are what you stand to gain or lose…important/trivial. The ‘Situation’ refers to the criticality of the situation (time-sensitive, life threatening, etc.) SSgt Shire considered the ‘Who’ as indicated by the statement, “After taking into account the experience of the Airmen she has available to help…” She considered the ‘Stakes’ as indicated by the statement, “…a passing score is absolutely necessary.” She considered the ‘Situation’ as indicated by the statement, “We only have a few weeks left before the re-inspection…”
15.
(Formative Exercise) Due to an upcoming mission change, the chief tells TSgt Abel to reclassify the skill level and security clearance of several positions. After a quick check with the manpower office, Abel submits the proper document to request the chief’s changes. Several months later, new personnel with the right skills begin arriving just in time to help the squadron begin its new mission.
TSgt Abel’s submission BEST illustrate use of the __________ and its impact on mission effectiveness.
Correct Answer
B. Authorization Change Request
Explanation
TSgt Abel used the Authorization Change Request (ACR), which according to the Resource Stewardship lesson, “is a document used to change (reclassify) attributes of positions listed on the Unit Manpower Document when there is a change in mission.”
16.
(Formative Exercise) SSgt Bose, the new NCOIC of Pharmacy Services, grows tired of her Airmen complaining about their section’s outdated equipment. Realizing she has several unknown, unfunded requirements, she submits a request for funds to the unit’s resource advisor (RA) in October. Since Bose’s request is so thorough, the RA makes one minor change, and then submits the request to the wing’s Budget Execution Review committee in January.
The resource advisor’s ____________ will MOST likely ____________mission effectiveness.
Correct Answer
C. Understanding of the budget cycle; enhance
Explanation
According to the Resource Stewardship lesson, the first Budget Execution Review (BER) occurs during the 2nd Quarter (typically January) of the Budget Cycle. The resource advisor (RA) clearly understands the budget cycle as evidenced by her waiting until the 2nd Quarter of the Budget Cycle to submit SSgt Bose’s request for funds. According to the Budget Cycle, Cost Centers begin working the 1st BER (aka unknown, unfunded requests) in October for submission by the RA in January. Therefore, the RA’s actions will most likely result in the pharmacy receiving the funds necessary to purchase new equipment.
17.
(Formative Exercise) TSgt Rivera, the NCOIC of Air Freight Management asks SSgt Graves, "Do you know why it takes so long to get our expedited cargo inspected?" SSgt Graves replies, "Apparently, the inspection team doesn’t like their new government vehicle and would rather walk to each aircraft on the flightline." Frustrated Rivera says, "That’s ridiculous! So instead of recognizing the need for a vehicle, they would rather walk around the flightline, causing our freight and aircraft to wait." TSgt Rivera immediately contacts the inspection team and instructs them to use their assigned vehicle.
The inspection team’s actions BEST illustrate _______ impact on mission effectiveness.
Correct Answer
A. A category of waste and its
Explanation
According to the Continuous Improvement chapter, there are eight types of waste. Waiting is one type of waste, which is whenever goods are not moving, or being processed. The inspection team’s actions best illustrate this concept as evidenced by the expedited cargo waiting for inspection and inspectors are waiting on a vehicle to conduct their inspection.
18.
(Formative Exercise) MSgt Berry, evaluations section NCOIC, says to SSgt Renzi, "Fix our problems with the overdue EPRs ASAP!" Renzi tells her airman, SrA Embry, " We’ve been told to fix the EPR process, and here’s how we’re going to do it…call together all the unit EPR monitors, solicit their ideas and opinions, cut the waste, and standardize the process.
MSgt Berry’s ___________ will MOST likely ___________ mission effectiveness.
Correct Answer
B. Appropriate use of directive change; enhance
Explanation
In this situation, MSgt Berry used directive change appropriately, because according to the Continuous Improvement chapter, this type should be used when, 1) change must be implemented quickly and 2) subordinate input is not required or sought. MSgt Berry’s actions will most likely enhance the mission because the change is necessary to prevent mission failure.
19.
Collective efforts toward a shared goal help distinguish teams from groups.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Collective efforts toward a shared goal help distinguish teams from groups because teams are characterized by individuals working together towards a common objective, whereas groups may not have a clear goal or may consist of individuals working independently. The collaboration and coordination required in teams create a sense of unity and shared responsibility, leading to better performance and outcomes.
20.
Groups are committed to their members' personal growth.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Teams are committed to their member's personal growth
21.
Teams outperform groups because of the synergistic effect.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Teams outperform groups because of the synergistic effect. This means that when individuals come together as a team, they are able to achieve more collectively than they would as individuals working separately. The collaboration and combination of skills, knowledge, and perspectives in a team can lead to increased creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall performance. The synergy created by a team allows for better utilization of resources and the ability to leverage each team member's strengths, resulting in higher productivity and better outcomes.
22.
Groups are described as a collection of people assembled and organized to work together.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Teams are a collection of people assembled and organized to work together.
23.
Mission Statements and Vision Statements perform two distinctly different jobs.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Mission statements and vision statements serve different purposes within an organization. A mission statement outlines the fundamental purpose and goals of the organization, focusing on what it does and who it serves. On the other hand, a vision statement describes the desired future state of the organization, providing a clear direction and inspiration for its employees and stakeholders. Therefore, it is true that mission statements and vision statements perform two distinct jobs in defining an organization's purpose and future aspirations.
24.
The statement, "Its prime function is internal - to define the key measure or measures of the organization's success" BEST describes Vision Statement
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This best describes Mission Statement
25.
The Mission Statement communicates both the purpose and values of the organization.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Values best describes Vision Statement
26.
Groups are usually formed without consideration to each person's skill set.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Groups are usually formed without consideration to each person's skill set means that when forming groups, people's skills and abilities are not taken into account. This implies that groups are typically formed randomly or based on other factors such as availability or personal preferences, rather than ensuring that each group member brings a specific skill or expertise that can contribute to the group's overall success. Therefore, the statement "True" suggests that skill sets are not typically considered when forming groups.
27.
The two categories of trust are personal and process.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Personal Trust - Not reliant on any institution or third party
Process Trust - Both parties have faith in a governing institution and believes that it supports their negotiations
28.
The two types of power are position and personal.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Position Power - Derived from your position within the organization and is given or delegated to you by your superiors
Personal Power - Derived from confidence and trust that others have in the leader and is earned
29.
PDP is a foundational tool to use with wisdom and discretion. When an airman's performance falls below the standard/line of acceptability (LOA) you MUST apply the PDP to ensure compliance and maintain discipline.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
PDP stands for Progressive Discipline Process