We all want the same thing. While there are small exceptions, most of us want:
- People to take ownership and make decisions
- Cross-functional collaboration to improve
- Leadership that cares
- People to hold themselves and others accountable
However, if a team goes too long without seeing these dynamics occur, some people start to think that they’re the only ones who have these values. Consequently, these people judge others as either being wrong (for valuing less-desirable behavior) or incapable (for not modeling what is needed to succeed).
That’s when trouble begins: Because we as humans tend to avoid those we think are wrong or incapable. This is when collaboration becomes nearly impossible.
The absence of desired behaviors, however, doesn’t mean the behaviors are absent. It only means we haven’t seen them yet. Moreover, this is when it’s critical to remember: Far more often than not we all want the same thing.
Leaders and teammates who model this focus and wisdom draw people together. Which, not so ironically, is the only way we’ll achieve what we all want to get done.
Bring us together today.
