Managing Dysfunctional Behavior Within Teams

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Managing Dysfunctional Behavior Within Teams
Presented at PDC 2005 October 13, 2005 Tom
Kohl Ethier Associates
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Agenda

• What is dysfunctional behavior within a Team?
• What types of behavior call for the dysfunctional
  label?
• What techniques can be used to eliminate the
  behaviors?
• Recap
• Q A

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What is dysfunctional behavior within a Team?

• Definition Individual and/or Team behaviors
  that are in conflict with the Teams ability to
  achieve its goals.
• Factors contributing to behaviors
• Skills, Experience, Work Style, Interest,
  Personality, Environment, Culture
• Disclaimer

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Its Everywhere
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Types of behavior that fit the dysfunctional label
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Types of behavior that fit the dysfunctional
label continued
High Maintenance
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Techniques to eliminate the behaviors

• First step - get a better handle on the people
  and organization
• Know the team members
• Know the organization

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Techniques to eliminate the behaviors continued

• Clearly define objectives for the team and/or
  project
• What
• When
• Who
• How

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Techniques to eliminate the behaviors continued

• Clearly define principles underwhich the team
  will operate
• Define contract between team members to
• Establish mode of operation for team
• Align people with team/project objectives
• Help develop momentum

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Define the contract

• This includes . . .
• ownership of tasks
• adoption of proactive approach
• handling of problems issues
• measurements
• communications
• reiterate roles, responsibilities, expectations
• implement team philosophy

We / Can Do
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Techniques to eliminate the behaviors continued

• Create work plan for success
• Build on strengths of team members
• Identify opportunities for individuals to grow
  Challenge, but dont overwhelm
• Ensure specific deliverablesare clearly owned

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Techniques to eliminate the behaviors continued

• Execute plan and measure
• Stay consistent to team principles
• Communicate/update regularly - people need to
  feel involved
• Recognize victories contributions - internal
  and external
• Ensure everyone feels part of success

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Techniques to eliminate the behaviors continued

• 5) Execute Plan and Measure
• Reinforce what made team successful (on-going)
• Maintain positive spinEverything has an
  improvement opportunity
• Allow people to jump outside of their old
  world Learn from mistakes, dont punish
• Have some fun!!!

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Techniques to eliminate the behaviors continued

• If all else fails
• Youve done what you can to create/maintain the
  right environment
• You may need to make changes

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Summary

• There is no miracle cure!
• Know the team
• Know the organization
• Define the objectives
• Define the principles
• Create a work plan for success
• Execute the plan, measure, and acknowledge

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Q A