Kick one out!
© Copyright Frank D. Kanu 2000-2008
Every once in a while there comes the discussion up who is an asset in a team and who is not. Some will—even vigorous—supporting others. And some will fight to get rid of someone else.
The removal of a team member—even if it is done temporarily—puts a big pressure on any team. Sometimes the pressure and the presented evidence become so much that there seems to be only one option: To give up and remove the offending member. Some think that as long as everyone in the team agrees everything is fine. But let’s step back and take a look at it:
No matter how the constellation—the leader can not win. See, leaving the member usually costs as much stress in the group as does removing the member (sometimes only visible in the long run).
All the leader can do is damage control. It’s a fine line she has to walk on and it’s the time most leaders learn that they still have a long way to go.
For some group members this is the perfect time to show their bad side: They start playing the blame game, bashing others, et cetera. Most of this will be against the leader and those considered weaker; often the ones less outspoken. If not controlled properly it can lead to the destruction of the team.
Key in resolving this situation is communication. All the communication breakdowns have to be identified immediately. They only lead to more confusion and even more complications down the road. Never assume that everyone understands or knows what was going on. Take just a little extra time to create an environment that is destined to allow every team member to grow—peacefully and in harmony with others.
Technorati (All Links are external): becoming a leader blame game communication communication breakdowns confusion constellation control damage control destined destruction enemies evidence extra time fear go with the flow group members harmony kick one out long way to go peacefully perfect time resolves stress team member team members business leadership management motivation politics stop telling... start leading! teams
Every once in a while there comes the discussion up who is an asset in a team and who is not. Some will—even vigorous—supporting others. And some will fight to get rid of someone else.
The removal of a team member—even if it is done temporarily—puts a big pressure on any team. Sometimes the pressure and the presented evidence become so much that there seems to be only one option: To give up and remove the offending member. Some think that as long as everyone in the team agrees everything is fine. But let’s step back and take a look at it:
- Some team-members will not speak up—out of fear (to make enemies, to get booted out themselves, bullying, etc.)
- Some team members have not made up their mind yet.
- Some team members decided to sit back and wait how the situation resolves.
- Some do not have an opinion and just go with the flow.
- Some will only be happy if they can continue to get others booted out.
- Different people have different views: What sounds upsetting to one can be motivating to another one.
- Politics: Some think booting someone out will increase their chances of getting more control or even becoming a leader.
No matter how the constellation—the leader can not win. See, leaving the member usually costs as much stress in the group as does removing the member (sometimes only visible in the long run).
All the leader can do is damage control. It’s a fine line she has to walk on and it’s the time most leaders learn that they still have a long way to go.
For some group members this is the perfect time to show their bad side: They start playing the blame game, bashing others, et cetera. Most of this will be against the leader and those considered weaker; often the ones less outspoken. If not controlled properly it can lead to the destruction of the team.
Key in resolving this situation is communication. All the communication breakdowns have to be identified immediately. They only lead to more confusion and even more complications down the road. Never assume that everyone understands or knows what was going on. Take just a little extra time to create an environment that is destined to allow every team member to grow—peacefully and in harmony with others.
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becoming a leader blame game communication communication breakdowns confusion constellation control damage control destined destruction enemies evidence extra time fear go with the flow group members harmony kick one out long way to go peacefully perfect time resolves stress team member team membersTechnorati (All Links are external): becoming a leader blame game communication communication breakdowns confusion constellation control damage control destined destruction enemies evidence extra time fear go with the flow group members harmony kick one out long way to go peacefully perfect time resolves stress team member team members business leadership management motivation politics stop telling... start leading! teams
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