The corporate environment is often dog-eat-dog, full of fear, scaremongering and rivalries that lead to paralyzed businesses, poor personal relationships and unhealthy team habits. If it is true that team environments can thrive in complexity, why would any team, small business or large corporation allow negative behavior to prevent this from happening? More importantly, when such problems arise, how can they be fixed?
When Good Rivalries Go Bad
You have to assume that once upon a time the Hatfields and McCoys used to enjoy hootenannies together, tossing horseshoes, enjoying award-winning Appalachian food of the Blue Ridge tradition, enjoying friendly competition throughout the years, and then one bad apple spoiled the whole bunch. One accusation, whether false or accurate, turns things sour for both families for well over a decade. An absurd example, isn't it? And an incredibly accurate depiction of how quickly things can turn sour in the team environment.
Rumors, speculation and a single “bad apple” often take an enjoyable, friendly rivalry (think of a tennis buddy or best friend you compete against on a regular basis) and create a problem in any team environment – a bitter rivalry. The Red Sox and the Yankees. Michigan and Ohio State.
These negative elements within a team environment are just as infectious as positive ones, if not more. Generally, these situations are caused by singular incidents, or a habitual behavior that has hurt someone's feelings. And in the worst of situations, there are people who simply want to stir the pot. Regardless of the case, the problems need to be identified at the root and healed as quickly as possible.
Refocusing on Teamwork and the Greater Good
Sometimes it is necessary to cut a rogue team member loose, in any team environment. Professional sports teams do it all the time, small businesses and large corporations do it as well. Even volunteer organizations need a healthy environment to enjoy great success. Flowers can't thrive with weeds choking the roots.
While the health of the team environment must take precedence over the individual, teams can actually become stronger by addressing issues, solving problems and keeping their team's chemistry intact. Sometimes the best option in addressing harmful rivalries that have encroached upon a successful team environment is to call in an outside force with no emotional attachment to address issues, and help a team refocus on achieving goals as a unit.
Utilizing Corporate Team Building Programs
For corporate leaders, it's not always easy to see the problems that are occurring, however, the effects are always evident. Great leaders sometimes understand that taking their hands away from a situation is the best way to get to the root of the problem.
Positive Adventures, LLC. offers team building programs that focus on teamwork and leadership, bringing custom solutions to the office space or corporate environment. Offering a positive energy to an existing team, these team building programs are designed to help strengthen the team bond and rebuild trust while allowing team members to set aside differences through working together.
