Course 15 Set B Formative Questions

TSgt Tuckman is tasked to lead a team in identifying efficient ways of doing engine swaps. Though most of the team members already know each other, he starts the first meeting by asking each member to introduce themselves. Then, Tuckman states the team’s objective and opens it up for discussion. During the discussion, several people have disagreements. One member says, “I think the real issue is with the location.” Another member responds, “That’s not the issue! There are too many layers of inspections.” Tuckman lets it go on for a little while and then refocuses the group on the objective. After several minutes of discussion, the team identifies the problem area and then develops a plan to swap engines more efficiently. This scenario BEST illustrates TSgt Tuckman’s understanding of the ___________ impact on team success.

Since TSgt Bair is good at connecting and negotiating with all types of people, he was charged with improving the unit’s performance evaluation process. To help with the task, he selects unit members who are good at viewing problems from different perspectives and who are able to review solutions rationally. He also selects other members who are not inclined to let rules and boundaries discourage them. TSgt Bair’s understanding of _______________________ will MOST LIKELY ____________ team success.

TSgt Johnson, section NCOIC, noticed A1C Carney seems irritable and to himself. Concerned, she brought him into the office and said, “A1C Carney, you are usually enthusiastic, but lately you look like you don’t want to be here. What’s wrong?” Because of the respect he has for her, so he decides to open up and says, “My son has rashes all over his body and has been seen several times at the base clinic, but he is not getting any better.” Johnson said, “I can understand how that could be frustrating. If you’re not getting adequate care, there is an agency at the clinic that can help you. As matter of fact, I know someone in the patient advocacy office. Let me give him a call and see what he could do for you.” Few days later, Carney’s son had an appointment with a specialist and the problem was resolved. This scenario BEST illustrates use of ________________________ and its impact on NCO effectiveness.

TSgt Bell completed the NCOA about a year ago and constantly applies the lesson principles he learned. He ensures the Airmen are trained and understand their responsibility as a technician. With a clear understanding of their job, they have been excelling in their work. At the last roll call, Bell presented one of the Airmen with an award for excellence. However, some of the Airmen were little disappointed that they didn’t win. TSgt Bell’s __________________________ will MOST LIKELY _________ subordinate effectiveness.

MSgt Smith leads a unit whose ability to gather intelligence and conduct its mission was being hampered by resistance from the local villagers. Smith met with the village leaders to explain his concern. One of the elders said, “The villagers are poor and in need of food and medicine, and your patrols disrupt their ability to work.” Smith responded, “I can help with food and medical care. However, the patrols must continue.” The elder replied, “It may help to reduce the disruption to work if we knew your patrol times.” Smith replied, “Due to security reasons, I cannot give you that information.” The elder said, “The villagers can help gather intelligence and share their knowledge of the terrain.” Smith agreed, “That information could help us minimize disruptions to the villager’s daily routine.” After a couple of weeks, Smith noticed that resistance from the villagers had faded and his unit was able to conduct its mission more efficiently. This scenario BEST illustrates understanding of the __________________ style of negotiation and the impact on mission effectiveness.

The Munitions Operation Flight Chief called a meeting with the section chiefs to discuss a manning swap to cross utilize members of the flight and to increase their breadth of experience in their career field. MSgt Thomas, section chief of Maintenance, is concerned because he had just finished training his Airmen and does not want to lose them. On the other hand, MSgt Lewis, section chief of Support, was glad because he wants to get rid of some slackers and acquire better workers. During the meeting, the Flight Chief was surprised by the section chiefs’ responses and how they held firm on their positions. The heated discussions quickly became unproductive. The Flight Chief’s____________will MOST LIKELY have a ____________ impact on NCO effectiveness.

TSgt Caskey is the Cost Center Manager for an organization. She is very knowledgeable about finance and ensures the organization has the funding required for operation. However, she has an assignment and is training her replacement TSgt Griggs. At a training session, Caskey said, “Sergeant Griggs, it’s that time of the year when we have to submit a document of how we are going to spend the upcoming fiscal year funding. To do that, we have to list and justify all needed items and services, and the cost. Additionally, we have to identify and justify items or services that can’t be funded with the current budget.” Because of her extensive knowledge and preparation, the organization was able to execute a strong budget and have the unfunded request on the top priority of the wing. This Scenario BEST illustrates how a well-developed ________________ can impact mission success.

TSgt Brady is a team chief of an engine shop. He was just notified by his shop chief, MSgt Thomas that they are projected to receive six more aircraft within a year. Brady states, “Sergeant Thomas, I can’t see how we’re going to support six more aircraft. We already have to work additional hours to support the aircraft we have now.” Thomas replied, “I share your concern and voiced my opinion with the squadron superintendent, but he replied he has confidence that we can work it out.” The mission of this squadron will MOST LIKELY:

TSgt Smith is preparing to conduct a performance counseling session with A1C Green for being late to roll call. Smith had verbally counseled him twice before for the similar behavior. When Green arrived, he sat him down and told him how valuable he was to the squadron and appreciated his work. However, he told him that being late to roll call is unacceptable and gave him a stern warning and dismissed him. A week later, Green arrived late for roll call again and missed the mission briefing. Smith’s actions concerning A1C Green BEST illustrate ineffective use of ________________ and its negative impact on his effectiveness.

TSgt Marble, the base dining facility NCOIC, believes that the dining facility personnel are here to support and provide a good quality of life for Airmen. She expects the dining facility to operate in flexible, efficient, and customer oriented way. TSgt Marble met with her dining facility Airmen and like a good supervisor, established rapport with them. She did not discuss much of her expectations because she thought doing the right thing and maintaining standards are common knowledge in the Air Force. They are drilled into Airmen Basic Military Training and Technical school. TSgt Marble’s use of _______________ will MOST LIKELY result in _______________.

Although she has been extremely irritable as of late, most people enjoy being around SSgt Hightower because of her outgoing personality. Normally a very successful AF recruiter, Hightower missed her quota last month and now it looks like she will miss it again this month. At a flight meeting, her flight chief MSgt Taylor, says, “I am not happy with our production!” Taylor then points at Hightower and says, “You have the worst record of all…not only will you miss your quota again, you’ve lost two from the Delayed Enlistment Program and are in danger of losing one more.” Jumping to her feet, Hightower yells, “I don’t appreciate you calling me out in front of others…I don’t need this…I quit!” The scenario BEST illustrates ________ and their impact on NCO effectiveness.

TSgt Wyatt is the NCOIC of the Structural Repair training section. On Wednesday morning, he overhears SrA Thornton loudly discussing how he had been drinking the night before. Wyatt knows Thornton drinks but until now, he has never heard of him doing it on a weeknight. Wyatt calls Thornton into his office and asks, “Thornton, I overheard your story. Is everything ok?” Thornton responds, “Yes sir, everything is fine. I went out drinking last night, but I only had a few.” Wyatt says, “It sounded like you had more than a few.” Thornton replies, “It’s OK sir, I’ve got it under control.” Wyatt then says “Just be careful, and call me if you need anything” Thornton comes to work the next morning and goes to Wyatt’s office, hangs his head and says, “Sir, I went out drinking again last night. I don’t know how much I had to drink, and don’t remember how I got home. It’s getting a little out of control, but I don’t know what to do. Can you help me?” Due to ___________, the MOST LIKELY outcome of this scenario is ______________.

Effective NCOs respond by identifying new trends and opportunities, so they are never caught off guard and can make sense out of a situation in order to turn obstacles into opportunities and ideas into innovative practices. In addition, effective NCOs develop plan A and plans B and C just in case. This paragraph BEST explains:

TSgt Perez, a senior analyst for an intelligence Squadron was recently informed that his team will deploy as convoy operators. Upon receiving the news, TSgt Perez first planned how to tell his team and then after gathering everyone for the announcement and implementation, he said, “We have been tasked to deploy as convoy operators. Although this is not in our job description, it is a critical need that must be filled to support the war effort. We will receive all required training to be successful. I will not allow this tasking to affect our current duties.” After answering several questions, Perez encouraged his team members to see him if they had any additional concerns. TSgt Perez’s ___________________ will MOST LIKELY result in ____________ to mission effectiveness.

Tired of hearing about all the problems with the K-9 mobility crates, TSgt Johnson asks his Superintendant for advice on how to fix the problem and hears, “Don’t invest in new crates based on feelings and complaints. Instead, take your time and use a process that will help you analyze, develop, and select the best crates for the mission. Using such a process will not only help you gain confidence in your course of action, it makes it easier to justify your choice to leadership.” Johnson smiles and says, “Your right, I really need to stand back and look at the whole picture instead of getting caught up in everyone’s complaints. By doing that I’ll know we’ll get the best return on our investment.” The narrative BEST explains:

After listening to her subordinates complain about a current workplace procedure, TSgt Gerry personally observes the process to gather first-hand data. Then, she and her subordinates review some key process indicators, conduct a performance gap analysis, and set some challenging but achievable targets. After they analyze the primary causes of all the complaints, they come up with some countermeasures and determine their workability before implementing them. TSgt Gerry and her subordinates’ use of ____________ will MOST LIKELY____________ mission effectiveness.

MSgt Sands is the supervisor of a team that took part in a humanitarian expeditionary operation. The Protocol office scheduled Sands and his team to do an interview with the local media. During the interview, the reporter interjected a question that was not expected. She asked, “Why did the U.S. enter the Pakistan border without their government’s approval?” Sands was little thrown off by the question, but regain his composure and said, “I don’t have any information about that, but I can tell you that our humanitarian operation was a success and the people received very needed care from the U.S.” The base commander was very impressed with the report that was published. This scenario BEST illustrates Sands’ _________________ technique and ______________impact on NCO effectiveness.

A1C Tims has a Facebook account and has recently accepted his coworker, Amn Newby, as a friend. Newby is a new user and very excited about using the Facebook. He is very proud to be in the Air Force, so he has posted regular updates about his journey in the Air Force. Over time, Tims notices Newby posting inappropriate pictures and comments on his page about his time in Iraq and dislike of Muslims. This scenario will MOST LIKELY _____________________ and will _______________________.

TSgt Cho is the NCOIC of the optometry clinic and believes Airmen are the key to success. He establishes rapport with them, listens and values their viewpoint, and provides and accepts constructive feedback. He holds regular meetings to explain clinic goals and to discuss with his subordinates how to align their goals with organizational goals. At one of his meetings, Amn Jones says, “Because our patient questionnaire is several pages long, it delays patient in-processing. If we sent the questionnaire to our patients ahead of time, it would speed up in-processing.” Cho replies, “That is a great idea. Please implement it immediately.” Several weeks later Jones tells Cho, “Our new procedure has shortened patient in-processing an average of 15 minutes.” TSgt Cho’s actions BEST illustrate effective _____________ skills and their impact on mission effectiveness.

TSgt Johnson has been showing up late, doing poor work, and failing to fulfill his supervisory responsibilities. His supervisor, MSgt Bixby schedules a meeting with Johnson for the next day. When Johnson reports, Bixby welcomes him and says, “I have noticed that your work performance has dropped off and that you have been late for work several times. What is going on?” Noticing Johnson looks uncomfortable, Bixby encourages him, and after a few minutes, Johnson replies, “I rarely have enough money to make ends meet so I took a part time job. Now I work 16 hours a day and don’t have time for anything else.” Bixby asks, “Have you considered asking for help?” Johnson replies, “No! I don’t want anyone to know.” Bixby says, “I understand how you feel, but since your situation is interfering with your work here we need to get you some help.” Johnson agrees. Bixby immediately schedules an appointment for Johnson with a financial counselor and then schedules follow up meeting. After Johnson departs, Bixby documents the session. MSgt Bixby’s effective use of ___________ will MOST LIKELY have a ____________ impact on TSgt Johnson: