Course 15

B This answer is CORRECT. According to the Team Building chapter, stages of team development are known as the Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. It helps determine the progress of the team's development by identifying typical events that occur during each stage and how to properly manage them. In the scenario, there are indications of the work group going through those stages (Forming: introductions and team objective; Storming: disagreements; Norming: when Tuckman refocuses the group; Performing: identifies the problem and develops a plan.) and Tuckman is helping the team move along in those stages to ensure team success.

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Team Building chapter, there are roles that people find most comfortable fulfilling based on their most natural thought processes and behavioral tendencies. TSgt Bair used his understanding of team roles to pick creators, refiners, and advancers to give his team the best chance for success. Because TSgt Bair used his understanding of team roles to build his team, this will most likely enhance team success.

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Leader Influence chapter, connection power is the perception of the leader's association with people of influence inside or outside of the organization. This was achieved by Johnson using her connection with the individual at the patient advocacy office to help Carney. This scenario best illustrates Johnson using her connection power and its impact on the NCO effectiveness.

B This answer is CORRECT. According to the Leader Influence chapter, system level rewards are things the organization provides for being a member such as training which is identified in the scenario. Additionally, supervisory rewards are given to those who go beyond the standard such as Bell presenting an Airman with an award for excellence. The efforts of Bell will most likely increase subordinate effectiveness.

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Negotiation chapter, cooperating is a negotiation style that involves an attempt to satisfy the concerns of all sides through honest discussion. In the scenario, cooperation took place because both parties won (e.g. Smith was able to gather intelligence and conduct his patrols and the villagers received food and medical care with less interruption to their daily routine).

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Negotiations chapter, Negotiation readiness is defined as the capacity of parties to decide it is in their best interest to negotiate an agreement rather than to continue to dispute. Negotiation Ripeness refers to the timing of negotiations. Timing is critical to successful negotiations. The flight chief failed to understand ripeness and readiness as evidenced by his surprise at the section chiefs' responses and how they held firm on their positions which further indicates the situation was neither ready nor ripe for negotiations. Overall, the Flight Chiefs' actions will have a negative impact on his effectiveness.

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Resource Stewardship chapter, a Financial Execution Plan is an Air Force product used to balance available funding while delivering goods and services to customers. A well-developed plan includes a prioritized list of known unfunded requirements with justification for each unfunded requirement and a spend plan that projects when and how funds will be spent throughout the fiscal year. The scenario depicts Caskey's understanding of importance of how a well-developed Financial Execution Plan can impact mission success. By training Griggs and developing a solid plan, the organization was prepared to execute the budget and postured for the unfunded request.

B This answer is CORRECT: According to the Resource Stewardship chapter, Requirement Determination is a competency that centers on the Authorization Change Request (ACR) which is a multi-purpose instrument used to propose adjustments to a Unit Manpower Document. ACRs are commonly used to request increases, decreases, or realignments of manpower requirements and/or to change attributes on the UMD. There is no evidence in the scenario that the squadron superintendent is requesting a manpower increase to support the additional aircraft. Without this request, the mission of the squadron will suffer.

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Discipline chapter, supervisors should take the least amount of action necessary to correct behavior and then progress up from there. Smith is not using the Progressive Discipline Process effectively; rather than use progressive discipline (i.e. LOC then LOA then LOR), he continues with verbal counseling for the same infraction which has not been effective.

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Discipline chapter, prevention is the first and most important step to prevent behaviors that are detrimental to personnel or productivity of a work center. Additionally, the supervisor must communicate standards and expectation clearly. Marble assumes the Airmen understand and does not communicate it to them, which will more than likely result in substandard performance.

B This answer is CORRECT. The scenario best illustrates the warning signs of stress, which according to the Emergent Leadership chapter, include irritability, emotional outburst, and significant mood changes. SSgt Hightower is showing some of these warning signs (emotional outburst and substandard job performance).

A This answer is CORRECT. The scenario best indicates the act of self-identification which, according to Emergent Leadership chapter, is when an individual that is not currently under investigation or pending action because of an alcohol-related incident willingly discloses they have a substance misuse problem with the intent of entering treatment. Once assessed, the ADAPT program manager along with the treatment team will determine an appropriate clinical course of action, most likely preventing an alcohol related incident.

A This answer is CORRECT. This scenario best illustrates the warning signs of suicide, which according to the Emergent Leadership chapter, include thoughts of suicide, a suicide plan, and access to the method of suicide described. Brock recognizes these warning signs and offers to help Noble, as every good Wingman should.

B This answer is CORRECT. The briefing BEST explains unlawful discrimination, which according to the Emergent Leadership chapter, includes discrimination based on color, national origin, race, religion, or sex.

A This answer is CORRECT. The paragraph best explains the concept of Cognitive Flexibility which, according to the Change Management lesson, Cognitive Flexibility is the concept of scanning the environment to identify changes as they occur or to see the changes coming and making sense out of a situation. Additionally, it involves developing several possible plans for responding to change.

D This answer is CORRECT. TSgt Perez used the Unfreezing Phase of Change Management, which according to that lesson there are three phases of change: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. During the Unfreezing (phase 1) the first step is to recognize the need for change (was recently informed), next create a felt need for the change, that is sell the importance of the change (planned how to tell his team), then deal with resistance to change by developing a plan to calm fears, to put them at ease by informing them how their new responsibilities can positively influence change (After answering several questions), and talk with personnel directly affected by the changes (gathering everyone for the announcement and implementation). All of this will increase the likelihood of a successful change.

B CORRECT: The narrative BEST explains Decision Analysis, which according to the Continuous Improvement chapter, "Decision Analysis is a systematic process based on the thinking pattern that you use when making choices." As NCOs, when you have to make critical decisions and solve complex problems, you should use a "systematic" process to make good, confident, reliable, and justifiable decisions. ...a process that allows you to stand back and look at "the whole picture" of the situation, in order to make the wisest and safest choice—through careful consideration of ALL the factors.

C CORRECT: Because the team used the first five steps of the Eight-Step Problem Solving Process, it is highly likely that they will continue through the rest of the steps to solve the work center problem, and solving the problem will most likely increase mission effectiveness. According to the Continuous Improvement chapter, problem solving is a team-centered systematic common-sense approach that involves an eight-step process designed to increase combat capability, make Air Force units more effective and efficient, and enhance and enable the war fighter. In the scenario, TSgt Gerry and her subordinates have used steps 1 through 5 of the eight steps: 1) Observe first-hand what is taking place, 2) Review key process indicators and conduct performance gap analysis, 3) Set challenging but achievable targets, 4) Determine root cause (analyze the primary causes of all the complaints), and 5) Develop countermeasures and determine their workability.

B This answer is CORRECT. According to the Culture of Engagement chapter, bridging is a technique used to move from the reporter's agenda to your message. Also, bridging is a way to smoothly transition from the question asked to your message. In the scenario, Sands has used this technique to move away from the question on Pakistan and into the positive message of the humanitarian expeditionary operation. This has demonstrated a positive impact on NCO effectiveness.

C CORRECT. According to Culture of Engagement chapter, one of the guidelines of using social media is avoiding the offensive. It tells us not to post any defamatory, libelous, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, racially and ethnically hateful, or otherwise offensive or illegal information or material. Since Newby is recognized as an Air Force member, he is portraying a negative view of the Air Force by posting offensive pictures and comments and will reduce mission effectiveness.

B This answer is CORRECT: In the scenario, TSgt Cho demonstrates effective interpersonal skills by listening and valuing his subordinates viewpoint (Working Relationships), providing and accepting constructive feedback (Working Relationships), and allowing subordinates to discuss their job ("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.") (Working Relationships). According to the Interpersonal Communication chapter, one of the benefits of effective interpersonal skills on improving working relationships with subordinates was they are willing to share finer details of the job and their performance of it.

C This answer is CORRECT: MSgt Bixby used basic interpersonal skills effectively, which, according to the Interpersonal Communication chapter, basic interpersonal skills can be broken down into three sections: Pre-session, Session, and Post-session. Pre-session activities include: diagnosing, and preparing. During the session, opening, attending, responding, resolving, and closing skills are used. Post-session activities include follow-up actions. Bixby knows Johnson was showing up late, doing poor work, and failing to fulfill his supervisory responsibilities and schedules a meeting with Johnson for the next day (pre-session). He welcomes Johnson to the meeting and said, "I have noticed that your work performance has dropped off and you have been late for work several times. What is going on? (opening skills) Bixby notices Johnson looking uncomfortable, Bixby encouraged him. (attending skills) "What sort of problems?" Bixby replied. Johnson says, ""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?" (responding/resolving skills) Johnson replies, "No! I didn't want anyone to know." Bixby said, "I understand how you feel, but since your situation is interfering with your work here we need to get you some help." Johnson agreed. Bixby immediately schedules an appointment for Johnson with a financial counselor and then schedules follow up meeting. After Johnson departs, Bixby documents the session. (Closing Skills/follow up)

B

C

A

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Four Lenses chapter, understanding the different temperaments allows leaders to communicate better with their subordinates. Based on her understanding of temperaments, Brock recognizes SSgt Downy's preferred temperament is orange as illustrated in the statements, "I believe it creates a more aggressive appearance and the ladies really like them" and "...I realize you do not care for all these rules and it is your nature to take risks ..." she also does not allow him to use it as an excuse (or crutch) for unacceptable behavior. SMSgt brock understands that Downy's behavior can have a negative impact on NCO effectiveness; therefore, her actions in correcting the issue will positively impact her effectiveness.

D This answer is CORRECT. According to the Four Lenses chapter, the Gold temperament is comfortable in familiar and structured environments. In this scenario, Pyle's temperament is Gold as evidenced by her wanting to take notes, use a planner, and to-do lists. MSgt Norton misunderstands SSgt Pyle's Gold temperament, as evidenced by 1) giving Pyle unfamiliar tasks, 2) discounting Pyle's need to take note and use a planner, and 3) expecting Pyle to be successful based on a verbal explanation on the way to the airport. This will most likely hinder SSgt Pyle's effectiveness.

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Full Range Leadership Development chapter, the followers of transformational leaders exhibit greater trust, admiration, loyalty, and respect toward the leader and are willing to work harder for them. This occurs because the transformational leader offers followers a vision (clear direction) and inspires them to complete their mission. Transformational leadership motivate their followers and developing them with individual consideration (listen to their concerns), intellectual stimulation (seek and value their input), inspirational motivation (clear direction and emphasize that what they are doing is important to the unit and the mission), and idealized influence (strong work ethic and you set aside your self-interests for the good of the group).

C This answer is CORRECT. MSgt Perry used Transactional Leadership (with contingent rewards) which, according to the Full Range Leadership Development chapter, involves the constructive transaction between the leader and the follower. These transactions formulate a sort of "contract" where the leader sets goals, identifies ways for the subordinate to reach these goals, and supports the follower in meeting these expectations. The follower is required to perform assigned tasks to a specified performance level. When the follower fulfills the leader's expectations, a reward is provided to reinforce the demonstrated positive behavior which will enhance his effectiveness.

B This answer is CORRECT. According to the Airmanship chapter, Progressive Professionalism (P2) is the concept of improving oneself on the professional continuum through education, training, ethical behavior, and being morally balanced. The foundation of P2 is the DDR, a methodology of providing Airmen with direction, discipline and recognition as require. Tate is promoting that by taking the effort necessary to improve herself on the professional continuum and providing direction, discipline and recognition for her Airmen as required. This will have a positive impact on the unit effectiveness.

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Airmanship chapter, Air Force Core Values are said to be our inner voice; the voice of self-control and the basis for the trust imperative in today's military. These institutional values and principles of conduct provide the moral framework within which military activities take place. By instructing the use of the overdue torque wrench, Smith is violating the AF Core Values and negatively affecting the mission effectiveness.

B This answer is CORRECT. According to the Human Performance chapter, Functional Training is defined as any type of exercise that has a direct relationship to the activities you perform in your daily life. In the scenario, Burke reflects back to his last deployment and realizes the difficulty his team had working in the desert climate while wearing the heavy gear. So, he enlists the help of an Air Force exercise physiologist to develop a Functional Training plan that resulted in the team being more effective.

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Human Performance chapter, low nutrient intake can compromise performance and negate training benefits to include the loss of strength and endurance. Additionally, it can result in lower energy stores resulting in an overall feeling of tiredness and increase the risk of injury. In the scenario, Stanley's improper nutrition may result in weight loss but will not help the fitness assessment and may create health problems that will lessen her ability to be an effective NCO.

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Air Force Culture chapter, all Air Force members must adhere to standards of neatness, cleanliness, safety and military image to provide the appearance of a disciplined service member. A distinct hallmark of military precision and discipline is the ability of an individual Airman to present a perfect appearance. Sharp is supporting that concept by conducting an open rank inspection and enforcing standards. Sharp's action has ensured the maintenance of discipline which helped Tidwell win the "Look Sharp Award."

B This answer is CORRECT. According to Culture and Heritage chapter, understanding of the Air Force culture can help the NCO explain many of the current beliefs, actions and roles that determines the success of the military organization as a whole. Additionally, retreat ceremony pays respect to the flag that represents sacrifices of each and every service member for the freedom of this country. The words of Wyatt should motivate the Airmen to feel honor for their participation which will likely increase mission effectiveness.

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Diversity chapter, FAIR Way™ employs four techniques for maximizing retention and productivity and maintaining effective working relationship in workplaces. Telling crude jokes that attack the cultural background of anyone is unacceptable. TSgt Wyatt needs to reinforce the Air Force Zero Tolerance policy when it comes to diversity with some team members. Acting as a force for the acceptance of diversity and addressing the perceived diversity issues

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Diversity chapter, Diversity-Supportive Organization embraces all aspects of diversity and exhibits the following characteristics: act proactively, leadership-driven, encourage ownership of initiatives, think inclusively, and mainstream diversity. MSgt Mitchell's work center is not portraying those characteristics and it will negatively affect their mission effectiveness.

B This answer is CORRECT. According to the Ethical Leadership lesson principles, the Three R's of ethical principles are rules, results, and realities. It explains that "rules" gives us the ethical guidance, "results" are the outcomes, the bottom line, and the consequences of not following those rules, and "realities" which recognize the importance of the situation or circumstances. The scenario depicts SSgt Walker thinking through those areas and coming to an ethical decision.

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Ethical Leadership chapter, "drive for success" is one of four categories of ethical traps. It is making decisions based on a "win at all cost" attitude rather than on military rules, regulations, and codes of conduct. Stanley fell into that trap by "pencil-whipping" training records to pass the inspection, which could be detrimental to NCO, unit, and mission effectiveness.

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Joint Organization lesson, Combatant Commands are a command with a broad continuing mission under a single commander and composed of two or more Military Departments. The commander of a combatant command has the full authority to organize and employ commands and forces as necessary to accomplish assigned missions. It also shows how Skinner's knowledge of Joint Organizations (Combatant Commands) impacts his effectiveness, as evidence by Soho's final statement.

B This answer is CORRECT. According to chapter principles, AFSPC is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping mission ready space and cyberspace forces which MSgt Jenkins is part of as network operation manager. Jenkins and Simpkins is part of a command that has an important role in providing space capabilities in support for combatant commanders throughout the world. Without that support, missions all over the world will fail due to the Air Force's reliance on cyberspace, space, weather, and intelligence reconnaissance.

B This answer is CORRECT. In this scenario, the Air Force is providing airlift to the Army, which according to the Joint Warfighter chapter is one example of a supporting capability (one service using its functions to support another service). In addition, JP 1-02 defines a joint campaign as one in which elements of two or more departments that are military participate.

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Joint Warfighter chapter, Irregular Warfare favors indirect and asymmetric warfare approaches in order to erode an adversary's power, influence, and will. Some of the asymmetric capabilities used are suicide bombers, improvised explosive devices, and the cover of civilian populations.

A This answer is CORRECT. According to the Cross-Cultural Awareness chapter, Air Force Cross-Cultural Competence Model illustrates how you can influence your environment through active learning approaches coupled with knowledge and motivation. TSgt Jonson has demonstrated that by taking what he has learned from the pamphlet developed by the Air Force Cultural and Language Center and applying it in the local Afghan community. His initiative in doing so exemplifies a motivation of an Airman wanting to make a positive difference in a deployment

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Cross-Cultural Awareness chapter, knowledge alone is insufficient to achieve cross-cultural competence. To exert positive influence in culturally complex environments, Airmen must be able to "operationalize" their knowledge. Special Agent Mirza uses the skill of communicating to avoid misunderstandings with the tribal elder. His work increases his unit's effectiveness and accomplishes the mission.

C This answer is CORRECT. According to the Nuclear Enterprise chapter, safety is one of three key elements of nuclear surety. It consists of program guidance, system evaluation, safety assurance, and for conduct of safe nuclear weapon system operations. Trip violated that by disregarding what he knew to be a safety issue and justified it by telling himself that others have verified the system and it was cleared. This could result in a nuclear mishap and degradation of nuclear employment.

B This answer is CORRECT. According to the Nuclear Enterprise chapter, security is the total spectrum of procedures, facilities, equipment, and personnel employed to protect nuclear weapon. In this scenario, security of the nuclear weapons is compromised due to uncertainty of the alarm system integrity. Field should have followed the Air Base Instruction and reported the incident immediately. Compromise of the nuclear weapons security is a serious matter and will cause degradation of nuclear surety.