Deck 10: Leading Positive Change

Question 1

"How are we doing compared to our improvement trends of the past" is a question that can be asked to help set a best practice standard based on stakeholder expectations.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Managers who recognize patterns and exceptions to patterns are able to manage change more effectively than managers who do not recognize these things.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Organizations are formed to create stability,steadiness,and predictable conditions.They try to constrain as much change as possible.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

"What is the best we can achieve?" This is an example of a question that can be asked to articulate the left-brained side of a vision statement.

Question 5

Managing change is the same as leading positive change.

Question 6

Leadership is a permanent condition in which certain skills and competencies are inherent within a person.

Question 7

Frameworks are like theories that help to provide stability in the midst of constant change.

Question 8

"How are we doing relative to our best competitors" is a question that can be asked to help set a best practice standard based on comparative standards.

Question 9

Research has found that good occurrences are remembered longer than bad occurrences.

Question 10

According to the textbook authors,almost anything can be reproduced in less than half a year.

Question 11

Leadership has been described as maintaining steadiness,controlling variation,and refining current performance.

Question 12

To establish a climate of positivity requires attention to weaknesses and that which brings out the worst in others.

Question 13

Currently the department you manage is full of conflict.People seem to be picking sides over a particular issue and they are becoming bitter toward people on the opposing side of the issue.However,when the issue is resolved,some great results will come to the organization.This is an example of how people tend to focus on the problems,challenges and negative parts of an issue.

Question 14

A manager that is trying to change an organization from being inefficient to being efficient is trying to close an abundant gap.

Question 15

Mankind now produces as much data on a daily basis as it did in the entire history of the world up until 2003.

Question 16

One way for a manager to articulate a vision of abundance is to institute unforgettable symbolic events at the beginning of a change process.

Question 17

A manager who is trying to get an organization to move from losing money to being profitable is trying to get people to move to a place of illness and discomfort.

Question 18

The expression of compassion,forgiveness,and gratitude is associated with superior performance in organizations but not associated with superior performance personally.

Question 19

Leaders don't have to feel overwhelmed about organizational results because when results are poor,low level employees get fired or become the scapegoats.

Question 20

Vision statements that are straightforward and simple are more credible.

Question 21

A symbol should regularly remind individuals of an organization's vision.

Question 22

Bob has been busy trying to maintain a customer service process.His primary focus is to reinforce the organization's longstanding policies so that employees follow them.What role is Bob playing?

A) Leader
B) Manager
C) There is not enough information to determine.
D) Both leader and manager

Question 23

Research studies have shown that people only remember 5% of what they read,10% of what they hear in a lecture,20% of what they view in a video,30% of what they observe being demonstrated,50% of what they discuss in a group,75% of what they apply,and 90% of what they teach to others.

Question 24

Forming discussion groups so that others can refine and clarify a vision is an example of how to ensure public exposure.

Question 25

If constant change were occurring in the workplace,which would most likely help managers provide stability or order?

A) Fluctuating discipline
B) Consistent rewards
C) Unchanging theories or frameworks

Question 26

Which would make employees in an organization the most comfortable?

A) Being prone to make errors
B) Experiencing compatible relationships
C) Experiencing threat rigidity
D) Flourishing
E) Being excellent

Question 27

George has been busy deciding if his company should provide customer service.He is not sure if it is the right thing to do.What role is George playing?

A) Leader
B) Manager
C) There is not enough information to determine.
D) Both leader and manager

Question 28

Which most closely resembles the pace of change that generally occurs in organizations today?

A) Dripping water
B) A small stream
C) A small river
D) White water rapids

Question 29

An experiment conducted by Nobel laureate Herbert A.Simon found that novice chess players remember differently than experienced players what a chess game looked like midgame.Which statement is an accurate application to management of the results of this experiment?

A) Having frameworks blocks managers' ability to remember, because it is a preconceived notion.
B) A depth of experience can help managers recognize patterns and exceptions to patterns.
C) New managers will never perform as well as experienced managers.
D) There is no way to tell what a manager may remember.

Question 30

"Creating irreversible momentum" refers to the "generating commitment to the vision" step of the framework for leading positive change.

Question 31

During lunch break some employees are discussing certain managers in the organization.One employee says,"It is great to have Arnold as our department manager.He was born a leader.We are always doing things right in our department and primarily because Arnold is always watching to make sure we do it right.Without him,we would have lots of defects and errors." Based on the material about leading positive change in chapter 10,does Arnold sound like someone who leads positive change?

A) No, he most likely manages stability.
B) Yes, he is concerned about doing things right.
C) There is not enough information to decide.

Question 32

Change becomes institutionalized when it happens without anyone being held accountable to achieve it.

Question 33

Institutionalizing change is a critical prerequisite to successfully articulating a vision throughout an organization.

Question 34

No company can make money over time without capable and skillful employees.

Question 35

Creating a new language is a part of including both the right and left brain and leads to more commitment toward a newly articulated vision.

Question 36

Which would make employees in an organization the most comfortable?

A) Being unethical
B) Being flawless
C) Experiencing caring relationships
D) Being inefficient
E) Being reliable

Question 37

Jane pays you a compliment and tells you that you look nice today.George asks if you got your hair styled because it looks good.Pam asks if you had a sleepless night because you look tired or sick.Which comment will be longer lasting in its effects upon you? The comment from

A) Jane.
B) George.
C) Pam.
D) There is not enough information to decide.

Question 38

Which is the most accurate summary of the differentiation some writers have given between leadership and management?

A) Management is about facilitating stability and leadership is about managing change.
B) Management is about equilibrium and leadership is about refining current performance.
C) Management is about controlling variance and leadership is about initiating change.
D) Management is about setting direction and leadership is about creating something new.

Question 39

Following the five characteristics of football games could help organizations generate commitment to vision.

Question 40

Consistency and frequency are necessary for a leader to achieve commitment to what the leader wants.

Question 41

What is the most likely outcome of the best-self feedback process?

A) Individuals in the organization will perform the same.
B) Individuals will focus more on the positive while still paying attention to the negative.
C) Individuals in the organization will recognize that no one person is exceptionally unique.
D) Individuals will focus more on the positive and ignore the negative.

Question 42

Leaders who use symbols effectively will use them for what?

A) To hide the meaning of the vision of change so competitors will not learn the strategy and plan for change
B) To signal the end of the old way of doing things and the beginning of a new way of doing things
C) To create a new language system so that only those that know the language can participate in the change
D) To articulate a difficult concept

Question 43

Three specific hints for articulating vision are (1)Ensure that vision statements reinforce key values about which you feel strongly.(2)The vision statement must be straightforward and simple.(3)Avoid symbolic or refined language.Which statements are correct?

A) Statements 1 and 2
B) Statements 2 and 3
C) Statements 1 and 3
D) All of the statements

Question 44

Forgiveness is enhanced in organizations when managers
(1)Acknowledge the trauma,harm,and injustice that their organization members have experienced,but they define the occurrence of hurtful events as an opportunity to move forward toward a new goal.
(2)Associate the outcomes of the organization (e.g.,its products and services)with a higher purpose that provides personal meaning for organization members.
(3)Maintain high standards and communicate the fact that forgiveness is synonymous with tolerance for error or lowered expectations.Which statements are correct?

A) Statements 1 and 3
B) Statements 2 and 3
C) Only statement 1
D) Statements 1 and 2

Question 45

Which component of a vision statement is used less often by managers?

A) Becoming number one in the industry
B) Raising quality standards
C) Setting hard to reach targets or goals
D) Images of the future

Question 46

Forgiveness is enhanced in organizations when managers (1)associate the outcomes of the organization (e.g.,its products and services)with a higher purpose that provides personal meaning for organization members,and (2)maintain flexible standards and communicate the fact that forgiveness is synonymous with tolerance for error.Which statements are correct?

A) Only statement 1
B) Only statement 2
C) Statements 2 and 3
D) None of the statements

Question 47

Which of these components of a vision statement would emphasize left-brained thinking?

A) Metaphors
B) Action plans
C) Imagination
D) Colorful language

Question 48

Benchmarking involves (1)identifying best practice,(2)studying it in detail and then (3)planning to copy the best practice.Which statements are correct?

A) Statements 1 and 3
B) Statements 2 and 3
C) Only statement 1
D) Statements 1 and 2

Question 49

Which statement best describes the difference between a vision of abundance and a vision of goal achievement or effectiveness?

A) A vision of abundance means being at the top, being number one in the marketplace. A vision of goal achievement means reaching a standard regardless of whether you are number one.
B) A vision of abundance is inspiring and visions of achievement are straightforward and simple.
C) A vision of abundance speaks to the heart and the head. Visions of goal achievement speak to the head.

Question 50

Your manager has just finished a presentation demonstrating the need for change.The whole focus of his presentation was to show how the organization was doing in completely eliminating wasted materials.What kind of best practice standard is this manager trying to set?

A) Comparative standard
B) Goal standard
C) Improvement standard
D) Ideal standard
E) Stakeholder expectation standard

Question 51

As a manager,Susan is trying to establish a climate of positivity.She has hired two people who leave every interaction happier,more energized,and uplifted.They simply make others feel good.In addition,Susan made assignments based on the strengths of her team members and based on what they do best.And most importantly,she has been firm on the team members when they make mistakes.If a mistake is made,the offending team member is replaced.Which principle of establishing a climate of positivity has Susan violated?

A) Create positive energy networks
B) Pay attention to strengths and the best self
C) Establish a climate of compassion and gratitude
D) Compare current performance with performance of the past

Question 52

How does the best-self feedback process produce improvement in individual performance?

A) Provides individuals the opportunity to receive feedback about their strengths and unique capabilities
B) Provides individuals the opportunity to give the organization feedback when they are feeling at their best
C) Provides organizations the opportunity to increase individuals' awareness of their weaknesses
D) Provides individuals the opportunity to give feedback about other peoples' weaknesses and unique challenges

Question 53

The word failure is typically absent in the language of successful leaders.What is an alternative descriptor successful leaders might use?

A) Nonsuccess
B) Crash
C) Stoppage
D) Impasse

Question 54

A manager in an organization has four team members on the team she manages.Jill is her strongest performer on the team and Allen,Suzette,and Bill are the weakest performers on the team.To improve productivity,the manager spends most of her time with Jill.What is the most likely outcome of this management decision?

A) Productivity will stay the same.
B) Productivity will decrease.
C) Productivity will increase significantly.
D) Productivity will increase slightly.

Question 55

Which is an accurate statement concerning the effects of gratitude on individual and organizational performance?

A) Gratitude has no relationship to individual or organizational performance.
B) Gratitude has positive effects on individual performance, but not on organizational performance.
C) Gratitude has only slightly positive effects on both individual and organizational performance.
D) Gratitude has dramatic positive effects on both individual and organizational performance.

Question 56

Four employees received feedback from their managers.Jose was told what he did wrong and was given a warning.Jolette was told that she has been too shy in team meetings and is not speaking enough.Richard was told that his unique skill of analysis has been very valuable to the team.Gloria was told about some errors she made on the reports the team produced.Who will most likely feel highly engaged and be more productive?

A) Jose
B) Jolette
C) Richard
D) Gloria

Question 57

Your manager has just finished a presentation demonstrating the need for change.He summarizes his presentation by stating,"That is how we are doing compared to our best competitors." What kind of best practice standard is this manager trying to set?

A) Comparative standard
B) Goal standard
C) Improvement standard
D) Ideal standard
E) Stakeholder expectation standard

Question 58

As a manager,you are trying to hire someone for a critical position in your department.You have called references on three applicants.Bob's reference,his former supervisor,said,"Bob has more information and communication flowing through him than anyone in our company." Joe's reference said,"Joe can get others to get things done better than anyone I know." Albert's boss said,"Albert is the greatest person to be around.He is so optimistic and giving." Based on the information in the text about creating positive change,who should you hire?

A) Albert
B) Joe
C) Bob
D) There is not enough information to determine.

Question 59

Your manager has just been told that the organization failed to meet its monthly goal.He responds,"We were just miscued and then stumbled a little.Next month will be entirely different." What characteristic of leading positive change does this manager exemplify?

A) Benchmarking to stakeholder expectations
B) Expressing compassion
C) Creating a new language
D) Articulating the left-brained side of the vision

Question 60

John asks his employees to view other workers as "co-workers," but not as "friends." His theory is that finding friends at work leads to socializing and decreased productivity.He encourages employees to find friends outside of work.Are positive energy networks likely among John's employees?

A) No, he won't foster positive energy in people.
B) Yes, his employees will be more productive and generate more positive energy.
C) There is not enough information to decide.

Question 61

To institutionalize change,managers should (1)turn students into teachers,(2)build financial capital,and (3)establish rules,guidelines and feedback mechanisms.Which statements are correct?

A) Statements 1 and 2
B) Statements 1 and 3
C) Statements 2 and 3
D) Only statement 1

Question 62

Small wins create commitment because (1)they enlarge the importance of any one change,(2)they help avoid resistance or retaliation,and (3)they create the image of progress.Which statements are correct?

A) Statements 1 and 2
B) Statements 1 and 3
C) Statements 2 and 3
D) Only statement 2

Question 63

Creating commitment is enhanced by (1)applying principles of recreational work,(2)providing opportunities for public statements of commitment,(3)instituting feedback,(4)and communicating the vision frequently,consistently and broadly.Which statements are correct?

A) Statements 1 and 2
B) Statements 1 and 3
C) Statements 1 and 4
D) Statements 1, 2, and 4
E) All the statements are correct.

Question 64

Which is a method for articulating a vision of positive change?

A) Focus on positive deviance
B) Build on strengths and best self
C) Institute symbolic events
D) Communicate the vision frequently
E) Turn students into teachers

Question 65

What is the meaning of "small wins"? Small wins are

A) small successes that generate large profits.
B) change efforts that alter the attitude of a small number of employees.
C) changes that are easy to implement and build momentum.
D) large successes that generate small profits.

Question 66

Which question would facilitate articulating the right-brained side of a vision statement?

A) What represents peak performance?
B) What are the criteria we should monitor?
C) What strategic advantage do we have?
D) Who are the key customers?

Question 67

The Xerox plan produced stunning results and firmly institutionalized the vision.What was the order of events in the Xerox plan?

A) Learn the vision, apply it, teach it, assess it
B) Learn the vision, teach it, assess it, apply it
C) Teach the vision, apply it, learn it, assess it
D) Teach the vision, apply it, assess it, learn it

Question 68

Which statement is true concerning a vision statement?

A) People must associate the vision with something they can see and hear.
B) The more complicated the vision statement, the more motivating it will be.
C) Effective vision statements avoid reference to individuals' core values.
D) Effective vision statements must be unimaginable.

Question 69

Which statement is true concerning institutionalizing positive change?

A) Every manager's goal should be to find a few key people that they trust and rely upon them to institutionalize the change.
B) Every manager's goal should be to handle the task of leading positive change at the highest levels of leadership possible.
C) Every manager's goal should be to help as many people learn to lead positive change as possible.

Question 70

Which is a method for creating readiness for positive change?

A) Focus on positive deviance
B) Build on strengths and best self
C) Institute symbolic events
D) Communicate the vision frequently
E) Turn students into teachers

Question 71

Which will best help the organization to institutionalize the vision?

A) Provide an opportunity for everyone in the organization to articulate the vision
B) Provide an opportunity for only those in management roles to articulate the vision
C) Provide an opportunity for only those who can articulate the vision in their own words to share the vision with others
D) Provide an opportunity for only those who are responsible for public relations to share the vision with others

Question 72

Bob's manager had him set a future goal concerning the total sales he could reach in a year.At the end of the year,Bob was evaluated based on whether he met the goal.Then,he set a future goal concerning the total sales he could reach in the new coming year.At the end of that year,Bob was evaluated based on whether he met the goal,regardless of whether the goal was higher or lower than the previous years' goal.Applying principles of recreation work,how can Bob's performance evaluation be improved?

A) Evaluate Bob based on whether his sales are close to his goal
B) Evaluate Bob compared to past performance
C) Evaluate Bob based on whether he sets easy goals or challenging goals
D) Evaluate Bob compared to other peoples' performance

Question 73

According to the text,what should metrics for institutionalizing change be?

A) Clear
B) Simple
C) Full of new language
D) Precise about accountability

Question 74

To ensure credibility,vision statements should (1)challenge core values,(2)be straightforward and simple,and (3)contain exciting and energizing language.Which statements are correct?

A) Statements 1 and 2
B) Statements 1 and 3
C) Statements 2 and 3
D) Only statement 3

Question 75

Which information within a vision statement would most likely be interesting?

A) Information that is true and sincere
B) Information that is consistent with current beliefs
C) Information that contradicts weakly held assumptions
D) Information that dramatically challenges the core values of the organization

Question 76

Which is a method for generating commitment to positive change?

A) Focus on positive deviance
B) Build on strengths and best self
C) Institute symbolic events
D) Communicate the vision frequently
E) Turn students into teachers

Question 77

Which question would facilitate articulating the left-brained side of a vision statement?

A) What is the best we can achieve?
B) What are the most important strengths of our organization?
C) What represents the best practice?
D) What stories tell what we stand for?

Question 78

Which is a method for establishing a climate of positivity?

A) Focus on positive deviance
B) Build on strengths and best self
C) Institute symbolic events
D) Communicate the vision frequently
E) Turn students into teachers

Question 79

What should metrics for establishing positive change be about?

A) Efforts
B) Methods
C) Processes
D) Results

Question 80

A manager is under pressure to determine how to get a group of employees from a certain department to support the change effort.These employees are adamantly opposed to the change effort.To help this opposing group change their minds,the manager assigns the group to discuss the change effort with outside interest groups.Is this assignment likely to help this group of employees develop commitment?

A) Yes, opportunities to make public statements will foster commitment.
B) No, talking to outside interest groups will just make them more opposed.
C) There is not enough information to decide.