Do you have “meetings after the meetings?”
Can you see people holding back their true thoughts the first time around?
Would you face resistance if you asked people to be open and vulnerable with one another?
In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, the need for vulnerability-based trust is considered foundational for any team to be successful.
Here’s a starting activity: The Personal Histories Exercise.
Without trust in each other, a team cannot engage in healthy conflict.
Before anything else, consider building relationships that are vulnerable and trusting.
Ashleigh’s Input:
I’ve had the privilege of knowing Alan for many years. Were it not for our ability to be open and honest with each other, we would waste a lot of time getting things done and moving forward on projects. Even though we came into our working relationship with a good amount of trust, I think it’s the ongoing verbal appreciation for each other’s honesty that keeps the openness going.
Tom Henricksen
Trust is important in all relationships. Many workplaces don’t seem to focus on trust to their detriment. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is a great book and covers a lot of good topics. Thanks for sharing Alan!
Alan Feirer
Right on, Tom!