The one thing that high-performing teams never do…

Posted: August 24, 2016 | Categories: Leadership

In my coaching, I help companies build winning teams.  These folks want to be the best and stay the best.

I want to share with you what I believe to be the most corrosive and toxic thing a team member can do.  Doing this destroys trust, and immediately creates a defensive wall among team members.  What is it? It’s intent.  Let me explain:

Have you ever be so upset with a co-worker that you were tempted to intentionally do or say something just to make that person look bad?  You may say you are doing it in the name of teamwork, but deep in your heart, you know the real reason was to get back at them.  If you have ever done this, I would suspect you can join the company of the rest of us mortal souls.  The problem it, this destroys teamwork.

As I mentioned before, when I work with a team, the team builds a working agreement. This is an agreement the team builds and owns, and I can guarantee you that part of their working agreement talks about respect for the individual.  That means that we do things to strengthen teamwork, or we don’t do them.

A strong leader is good at picking up ill intent.  When they sense it, they challenge the person in a non-threatening way.  Here is an example:

“Steve, I noticed when you spoke up at the meeting, you told the whole group about a mistake that Jim had made.  What was your goal in doing that?  I see.  Well, here is the challenge:  When you did that, Jim was offended.  He was surprised you didn’t come to him one-on-one first.  I know you and Jim have had some tense moments lately.  I actually was wondering if you announced in the meeting to make Jim look bad.  If that was your intent, remember our working agreement.  We respect each other.  Here is my request:  If you truly have a concern, let’s talk about it one-on-one.  If you are upset with someone, let’s have a discussion that leads to restoring trust.  Does that sound fair?”

OK.  Let’s get back on track