High Distance – High Interdependence
Teams in this quadrant are managing a recent change in which norms, values, mission, and vision need clarification. Often, this phase of a team’s growth is characterized by conflict. When differences are managed with respect, professionalism, and maturity, the mission building gives way to connection and collaboration all rooted in an appreciation for diversity.
High Interdependence – High Closeness
Teams in this quadrant leverage the connection they have created and enjoy being accountable to the goals and vision agreed upon when they were forging a new path together. Trust and safety are the markers of this phase in the team’s evolution.
High Closeness – High Independence
Team in this quadrant use the diligently earned interdependence to embrace curiosity, ask questions, experiment, and explore. The foundation of trust enables teammates to take risks and act more independently without sacrificing the mission. The result is usually creativity and innovation.
High Independence – High Distance
Teams in this quadrant have capitalized on their choice to take risks and are managing the consequences of the change they have created. New opportunities have arisen by virtue of their independence and they are forced to say goodbye to old perspectives. Distance allows teammates to refuel and reposition themselves for the next round of interdependence as the new team faces their new circumstances.
Where is your team in this cycle? Are you on a new team navigating a recent change? Are you a connected team enjoying the buzz of collaboration? Are you an innovative team capitalizing on the foundation of trust? Are you a transforming team managing the consequences of the change you have courageously created? Every team is somewhere in this cycle. The challenge is to keep the cycle moving.
