Why Teams Underachieve

Objective Identify key reasons why teams underachieve. Define strategies to overcome these obstacles that undermine a team’s effectiveness.

Why Teams Underachieve Absence of TRUST

Teams with an absence of trust . . . Conceal weaknesses from each other Hesitate to ask for help Don’t provide constructive feedback Fail to tap into one another’s skills & experiences Waste time & energy managing their behaviors Hold grudges Dread meetings & avoid spending time together

Why Teams Underachieve Fear of CONFLICT Absence of TRUST

Teams that fear conflict… Have boring meetings Ignore controversial topics that are critical to team success Fail to tap into all the opinions and perspectives of team members Waste time and energy with posturing and interpersonal risk management

Why Teams Underachieve Lack of COMMITMENT Fear of CONFLICT Absence of TRUST

A team that fails to commit… Creates uncertainty among the team about direction and priorities Watches windows of opportunity close due to excessive analysis and unnecessary delay Breeds lack of confidence and fear of failure Revisits discussions and decisions again and again

Avoidance of ACCOUNTABILITY Why Teams Underachieve Avoidance of ACCOUNTABILITY Lack of COMMITMENT Fear of CONFLICT Absence of TRUST

A team that avoids accountability… Creates resentment among team members who have different standards of performance Encourages mediocrity Misses deadlines Places an undue burden on the team leader as the sole source of discipline.

Why Teams Underachieve Inattention to RESULTS Avoidance of ACCOUNTABILITY Lack of COMMITMENT Fear of CONFLICT Absence of TRUST

A team that is not focused on results… Stagnates or fails to grow Loses achievement-oriented employees/team members Encourages team members to focus on their individual goals Is easily distracted

How Can We Overcome These? Inattention to RESULTS Avoidance of ACCOUNTABILITY Lack of COMMITMENT Fear of CONFLICT Absence of TRUST

How Can We Overcome These? GROUP BRAINSTORM Divide into groups & pick a challenge to discuss Discuss strategies to overcome this particular challenge Select one person as the recorder to list ideas Select one person as the speaker Present to the class Inattention to RESULTS Avoidance of ACCOUNTABILITY Lack of COMMITMENT Fear of CONFLICT Absence of TRUST

Debrief Identify one reason why teams underachieve. Identify one strategy to overcome these obstacles. What one key point stands out for you the most?