Is This You?

As the person responsible for the work of a group, you probably recognize situations like these:

It's tough and important project, and do-able. You're clear about what needs to be done and how to go about achieving it. You have a good team of capable people. But...

Cliques have developed, which seem intent on quietly sabbotaging each other. Meetings are civil, but behind the scenes people have chosen sides and are making work difficult for the "others." Each side blames the other for not coming though on their part of the project.

Or someone's life is in disarray. They're tense, even explosive, and everyone else is walking on eggshells around them. More attention and energy seems to be spent on what mood that person is in than on getting the work done.

It could be a situation where there's more than one "boss." Work responsibilities are not clearly enough defined, or boundaries aren't being respected. Some people are getting conflicting instructions, and it's driving them crazy.

Two or more strong personalities that clash "keep the pot stirring." Their conflicts distract everyone's attention from the work at hand. People are tense and uncomfortable.

Sometimes there's an "icy niceness" covering up conflicts, making it impossible to figure out what's really going on. No one will admit to, much less talk about, the problem. But they won't work together, either.

Fear of making mistakes immobilizes some people, and others shy away from anyone who's willing to take risks. It's not seen as OK to think, "there must be a better -- different! -- way."

With all your experience, you think you ought to be able to handle the situation and turn it around without help. You want your people to be both successful and happy, and you want that for yourself, too. You're concerned about how this could impact your career. You're willing to work hard to achieve your goals, but this is taking a toll on your family. You're working long hours, and even outside work you find yourself thinking about this situation.

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