Misalignment > Mismanagement > Mistrust. The Mis-’s of Team Success! – by Arnie Wohlgemut
Within every team, there are often many who can provide leadership, either in a particular phase of a project or because of their expertise in one or more aspects of that project. There is however, one individual charged with the overall responsibility of a project goal.
It is a well-known fact that a cohesive and respectful team achieves more than one individual can. Misalignment of tasks, mismanagement of responsibility and mistrust among teammates are three items I wish to explore further.
“The task you’re avoiding isn’t always the one you hate. Sometimes it’s the one you fear. The one that’s most worth pursuing.”
Adam Grant
Misalignment of Tasks.
This is often characterized by the misconception by the project leader of the team’s ability, and their misguided belief of fostering artificial harmony. The fear of conflict leads to a disproportionate number of tasks assigned to the less vocal, yet highly capable team members.
In my experience, this type of leadership often leads to higher staffing turnover and poor team morale. I encourage you to step up to the task and face your fear.
“Like everything in life, leadership requires balance. You can’t succeed without focusing on your people, and they won’t succeed unless you’re focused on results.”
Travis Bradberry
Mismanagement of Responsibility.
This often leads to underestimating the importance of the team leader role, and a miscalculation of the project purpose. Misleading information on project status, is quickly dismissed by supporting the accepted low standard of performance, and the desire to avoid accountability.
In my experience, this type of leadership often leads to organizational chaos and misbehaviour. Individual relationships on the team deteriorate. Misunderstanding the project expectations and roles of others is the unfortunate result. I encourage you to take the leadership role you have accepted, and lead with confidence.
“It’s not about position, it’s about purpose.”
Steven Furtick
Mistrust among Teammates.
Often this is seen when a team member uses misdirection to highlight failures of others to reinforce their ego or misinterpreted status. There is an escalation of misinformation and misleading feedback between team members. In extreme cases, intimidation replaces a win-win climate.
In my experience, all team members need to be savvy collaborators, setting aside selfishness for personal gain in favour of project success.
Team focus needs to be on the project goal, the customers needs or the contract requirements. Team success leads to project success and a positive customer experience. I encourage you to lead with purpose, not with the power of the position.
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