Problem:
Assuming that this question is geared towards leadership and their approach to evenly distributing work assignments, I would think the best approach is to identify each tasks level of importance and to determine which member of the group is best qualified to tackle the new responsibilities. As a leader, I try to have a clear objective and a precise plan of action with the following questions in mind such as:
- What is our main objective?
- What's the deadline?
- Whom will I be working with for this project?
- What is our groups strengths?
- What are our weaknesses?
- Who is a team player and who is not?
- Who should be removed from the task and who will be beneficial to the group for the completion of this project?
Describe a time when you have participated as a leader and another time when you have been a free rider..
During the collaboration process within the team, I developed an interesting concept that the team as a whole approved of. As a result of always considering the feedback of my peers, I felt compelled to move forward. I made a list of everyone's skills and attributes to the current project and delegated as appropriate.
I pride myself as being an active participant in a group setting as often as possible however, at various intervals throughout organizations there is always a possibility that you will not have an opportunity to lead for whatever reason in which case an individual might have to take a back seat and follow someone else's lead. I participated as a free rider only in some cases where team members are not eager and willing to accept feedback or ideas from an individual who lacks seniority in certain areas.
There was one situation where I was unable to lead in a team that already had an established relationship and I was the newest member. Therefore, I was a mere spectator/follower who had to submit to present authority. There are some people who are born to lead, some who are taught how to lead, and others who are thrown into leadership. The ones who were thrown into leadership are a more than likely candidate for being a free rider or sidelines team member.
What made you lead and what made you free ride in those situations?
The motivation that led me to lead a team was the fact that my team members did not fully grasp the project at hand, I was more knowledgeable about the project and felt comfortable leading the team. I was in a position to offer insight based on my experiences and offer clarity of misunderstood areas by my teammates, in my opinion, this is what qualified me as an effective leader. With that in mind I had a clear vision and a clear understanding of the bottom line.
The situation that established my team position of a free rider was in the case where team members completely alienated me from the team or totally disregarded my input because they didn't agree with my ideas. If a team does not want or value my input after several attempts I figuratively "throw up my hand" and enjoy the ride. In this situation there is only one thing you can do and that is to operate in the areas you are needed the most.