It is not easy to do a good job as a leader. We all need to study and learn as much as we can. Then to put this into use in the real world. Below I will describe what a dysfunctional team may look like. Then I will describe what a healthy team should look like.
Dysfunctional Team (Co-Dependent Employees)
- Always trying to please everyone
- Fear of Rejection from others, direct their actions
- Fear of anger from others, direct their actions
- Struggles with peace of mind at work
- Self-esteem is not a consideration
- Focus on solving other's peoples problems
- People are being manipulated
Co-dependent employees are not able to function properly on their own. They have not been treated in a manner that will help they build their self-esteem and grow. Below are some of the problems that are associated with co-dependent employees:
Co-Dependency Problems
- Difficulty in expressing their feelings.
- They are continuously suppressing their anger.
- Difficulty in forming any trusting relationships at work.
- Supervisors seem to take advantage of them and emotionally hurt them.
- They can not meet the goal of being perfect for their boss.
- Difficulty in making changes.
- Mental and physically stressed.
- They strive for approval, to help their self-esteem.
- Difficulty in making decisions.
- They may have anxiety in making decisions.
- They try to avoid all conflict.
- Fear of saying or doing something wrong is always present.
- Non-assertive behavior is the norm.
- They are frustrated about their environment and their career.
- They are frustrated about trying to improve the work situation.
- They do not communicate openly or honestly.
- True feelings are not expressed.
- They have a lost of true identity.
- Personal and professional potential is limited.
After taking a look at the dysfunctional team and co-dependent behavior problems. Now ask yourself, is there a better way? Of course there is! What can be done as a leader to help improve the environment and change the behaviors of our followers? First, we need knowledge and understanding of both the dysfunctional team and what a healthy team looks like.
In essence, what does healthy behavior look like in a good effective and efficient team? Below is a listing of what healthy behavior actually looks like:
A Healthy Team
- People take responsibility for their job.
- There is honest input provided from team members.
- People seem to be assertive enough to express their feelings.
- People encourage one another.
- There is a wider picture and more diversity in decision making.
- Positive motivation is the norm.
- Commitment and loyalty is expressed.
- People work to their potential.
- People want increased responsibility.
- Changes to improve work are easily accepted.
- People express themselves at work.
- There are collaborative efforts rather than controlling behaviors.
- A supportive environment.
If we, as leaders are able to increase the healthy behaviors and reduce the co-dependent behaviors; we will take the first steps toward developing a healthy team. The healthy behaviors that are listed can restore people mentally and physically. These behaviors allow people to excel to their potential. They in turn will increase self-esteem, commitment to the organization and become more self-sufficient. They will be able to make decisions and at times be more creative and innovative in their approach. This will also allow us to form a team that is more effective and efficient in their work activities.
Finally, you as a leader will be responsible in forming a healthy team.
Reference:
- When Money Is Not Enough, Eileen R. Hannegan, Beyond words Publishing, Inc., Hillsboro, Oregon 1995