Question

Jack was assigned to your project team three weeks ago. He has stopped by to see you three times to talk about an assignment you’ve given him. You think this unusual. You assumed he had done this type of work before since the Program Manager asked that he be assigned to the team. When you gave him this assignment you didn’t expect to see him again until the project status meeting was held. After the third time he stopped by to talk with you, you asked him if there was a problem. He said there wasn’t but he just wanted to make sure he was on the right track. From what he’s saying to you, he has a pretty good idea of how to do the assignment.

Question 1

What development level of need do you think is being exhibited by Jack? Why?

Question 2

What might be an effective motivator for Jack based on his need and what result might you expect if Jack’s need is satisfied for the future?

Answer 1

1. He can be included in the D3 level of development, which is moderate to high competence and variance. This means the employee is capable but he is a cautious performer.

From the description, we can see that the employee is assumed to be capable of completing the project but he is highly cautious. That’s why he is visiting my home to make sure that he doing things in a proper manner.

There are 4 levels of employee development: -

• D1: Low competence and high commitment (enthusiastic performer).
• D2: Low to some competence and low commitment (disillusioned learner).
• D3: Moderate to high competence and variable (capable but cautious performer).
• D4: High competence and high commitment (the self-reliant achiever).

2. As he is capable of doing his task he doesn’t need assistance in his project. He needs a good mentor. A person to be there when he tries to reach out. He needs opportunities to test his ideas. He should be provided with support and encouragement to develop self-reliant problem-solving skills.

I want him to be a D4 level employee. He should be high competence and high commitment, a self-reliant achiever.