In many organizations, the primary obstacle to effective, collaborative teamwork is a bullying element. Typically, a subgroup representing a small fraction of the full staff becomes entrenched in preventing change to protect their power. Often, the subgroup is comprised of either staff members who are change-resistant or, for whatever reason, fear their power and authority is waning. Such subgroups are usually led by one or two more vocal negative leaders who are able to get others to infect the larger organization with their message.
The message takes many forms but the theme is frequently an “us vs. them” divisiveness that functions to make others feel unsafe, unwelcome, and unappreciated. The outcome is that the majority of the staff has trouble advancing a healthier, more inclusive culture because they are made to fear the social cost they’ll pay for challenging one of the bullies. Sadly, it’s easier to learn to tolerate it than it is to combat the poison.
In simplest terms, it’s theft. A small handful of unhappy “colleagues” subtracts energy from the workplace. This is the value proposition of a healthy, effective team. The less time and effort spent on workplace politics, the greater the focus on the mission of the organization. Neutralize the bullies!
