
Patrick Lencioni in his book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" identifies absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability and inattention to results as the things that impede team performance.
Here are a few other ideas to explore if you are struggling to flow through interpersonal challenges that are a natural part of team work. How are you:
- Giving voice to varying perceptions, assumptions and mindsets without making anyone wrong?
- Recognizing and minimizing team toxins (blame, defensiveness, stonewalling and contempt)?
- Understanding and honoring different work, leadership and communication styles?
- Distinguishing between barriers (which can be overcome) and limitations (which are constraints that can't)?
- Establishing meaningful and relevant direction?
- Aligning individual and team needs?
- Leveraging talents and fueling passions?
High performing teams expect obstacles because they inform and can change the course of any valuable endeavor for the better!