ISM LEAD Exam - Topic 4 Question 7 Discussion

Actual exam question for ISM's LEAD exam

Question #: 7
Topic #: 4

[All LEAD Questions]

DEF, Inc. is a large global manufacturer. Two of DEF's supply managers, who are located in offices in different countries, are assigned to lead a new product development team. The team is to be comprised of two stakeholders from each of the supply managers' locations. The supply managers, as well as their respective departments, have had some friction between them in the past, and there is concern they will not be able to work together effectively on this project. Of the following, the BEST approach for assigning stakeholders to the team would be for the supply managers to

Aselect stakeholders from each other's locations

Bselect stakeholders from their own locations

Cask senior management to intervene in making the stakeholder assignments

Dcreate a list of stakeholders from each location and make the selections together

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: D

Conflict Resolution: Given the history of friction between the supply managers and their departments, a collaborative approach is necessary to prevent further conflict and ensure effective teamwork.

Joint Decision Making: By creating a list of stakeholders from each location and making the selections together, the supply managers can ensure that the team is balanced and that all perspectives are considered. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared ownership and mutual respect.

Stakeholder Involvement: Involving both managers in the selection process ensures that the chosen stakeholders are acceptable to both parties, reducing the likelihood of bias and increasing the commitment of all team members.

Building Trust: Working together to select stakeholders can help build trust and improve the working relationship between the supply managers, setting a positive tone for the project.

Reference: This approach aligns with best practices in team building and conflict resolution as discussed in leadership and management literature, including works like 'The Five Dysfunctions of a Team' by Patrick Lencioni and guidelines from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

by Aleshia at Aug 04, 2024, 09:11 PM

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Jerlene

3 months ago

Wait, why would they trust each other after all that tension?

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German

3 months ago

I’d go with option D, working together sounds best.

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Cornell

4 months ago

Not sure about that, past friction could complicate things.

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Willodean

4 months ago

Totally agree, collaboration is key!

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Stefany

4 months ago

I think they should select stakeholders from each other's locations.

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Sarah

4 months ago

I recall that involving both supply managers in the selection process could help reduce friction, which makes me think D is definitely the way to go.

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Noble

4 months ago

This reminds me of a practice question where we had to consider team cohesion. I think asking senior management to intervene might not be the best approach, so I would avoid option C.

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Sena

5 months ago

I'm not entirely sure, but I feel like selecting stakeholders from their own locations could lead to more bias. That makes me lean towards option A or D.

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Carmela

5 months ago

I remember discussing the importance of collaboration in team dynamics, so I think option D might be the best choice.

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Audra

5 months ago

I think the key here is trying to get the supply managers to cooperate, so I'd go with option D. Having them create the stakeholder list together could help build some trust and communication between them.

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Francine

5 months ago

Option B seems like the safest bet to me. If the managers can't work together, it's better for them to just select from their own teams to avoid more conflict.

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Cherry

5 months ago

Hmm, I'm not sure about this one. The past friction is concerning, so I'm leaning towards option A to get them to work with each other's teams. But I'm not totally confident that's the best approach.

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Wai

5 months ago

This seems like a tricky situation with the past friction between the supply managers. I'd probably go with option D and have them create a joint list of stakeholders to try to get some collaboration going.

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India

5 months ago

Whoa, this is a tricky one. I'm a bit confused, but I'll give it my best shot.

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Gerald

1 year ago

I agree with Cassi, creating a list of stakeholders from each location and making the selections together would promote collaboration and understanding between the teams.

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Bernardo

2 years ago

I think asking senior management to intervene in making the stakeholder assignments would be the most effective approach.

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Matthew

2 years ago

I disagree, I believe they should select stakeholders from their own locations to avoid any potential conflicts.

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Cassi

2 years ago

I think the best approach would be for the supply managers to select stakeholders from each other's locations.

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Renato

2 years ago

Option B, really? That's just asking for more drama. Might as well light a match and throw it in the middle of the room. Option D is the only logical choice here.

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Chu

1 year ago

Exactly, Option D is the best way to ensure fairness and collaboration.

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Barney

1 year ago

D) create a list of stakeholders from each location and make the selections together

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Desmond

1 year ago

B) select stakeholders from their own locations

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Arlen

2 years ago

A) select stakeholders from each other's locations

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Adaline

2 years ago

I agree with Phillip, involving senior management would help in resolving any conflicts and ensuring a balanced team composition.

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Cordelia

2 years ago

Haha, imagine if they let senior management get involved. Talk about a recipe for disaster! Option D is clearly the most mature and professional approach.

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Phillip

2 years ago

I think asking senior management to intervene in making the stakeholder assignments would be the most effective approach to ensure fairness and impartiality.

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Margurite

2 years ago

Ah, I see what they're getting at. Definitely don't want those managers picking their own people and causing more tension. Option D sounds like the smartest solution.

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