When you get a bunch of ‘Type A’ personalities together who are driven and outcome focused, two types of team states commonly form: ‘Fabricated Harmony’ or ‘Genuine Conflict’.

‘Genuine Conflict’ is when team members don’t get along but willingly live with their differences in exchange for a pay packet. There are no team values or value in the team. Sometimes team members align but it’s usually short lived as the competitive forces and jostling for rewards and recognition takes priority. Attrition is high, but players’ dont seem to mind, as it means one less internal competitor and is part of the game. Managers reward sales success above all else, even at the detriment of other team members and even some clients.

‘Fabricated Harmony’ is when team members’ dont like each-other but pretend they do to avoid conflict. In this type of environment team members seldom engage in meaningful conversations; are afraid to show real emotions; rarely challenge the opinions of stronger personalities, preferring to see how the penny drops and not be accountable when something goes wrong. Team values are stated, but not clearly communicated and demonstrated. When business is good, the values are forgotten. When times are less prosperous the values magically appear as leverage to dismiss poor performers.

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