The Yin and Yang of Team Dynamics
Throughout my career, I've made it a point to keenly observe and analyze the individuals I've had the privilege of working with, both directly and indirectly. I've always been curious about what drives their success or lack thereof, and what factors make me eager or hesitant to collaborate with them.
In Scrappy I delve into the concept of the core team and discuss the kind of individuals you should aim to include. However, in this piece, I've taken a deeper dive to pinpoint specific traits that set some individuals apart from the rest. There are certain individuals who, for some reason, everyone gravitates towards and wants on their team. Conversely, there are those who, despite their undeniable talent or expertise, people tend to shy away from.
To challenge myself further, I decided to narrow it down to just two defining traits: one that encapsulates what makes certain individuals truly exceptional and another that highlights what can render someone toxic in a team setting. While these are by no means the only traits that can categorize someone as exceptional or toxic, they are often hidden under other traits and behaviors, making them particularly intriguing to explore.
Reliability
Reliability is a trait that's universally cherished. It's a quality we seek and appreciate in various facets of our daily lives:
Cars that don't break down, saving us both time and repair costs.
Postal services that ensure our mail arrives punctually.
Investments that yield the returns we anticipate.
Mobile networks that keep us connected without interruptions.
Vendors who respect our time by being punctual.
Airlines that stick to their schedules.
Eateries that consistently offer both delicious food and impeccable service.
Friends and colleagues who keep their word and follow through on commitments.
Being reliable isn't just about punctuality; it's about consistently delivering high-quality work. It's about being the person who steps up during challenging times, respects deadlines, and is known for their unwavering dependability. Such individuals are not just trustworthy; they're consistent in their actions and behaviors. Their reliability is evident, and it doesn't go unnoticed.
Reliable individuals have an innate ability to prioritize tasks, ensuring timely completion. They often require minimal oversight, driven by their intrinsic values, pursuit of excellence, and unwavering commitment. Such individuals are a rare gem, the kind everyone wants in their corner. Their reliability not only sets a benchmark but also inspires others, fostering a culture of commitment and productivity.
For businesses, having reliable employees is a game-changer. It simplifies planning, as tasks are consistently completed on schedule. This reliability allows companies to take calculated risks, leading to greater profitability. Furthermore, reliable individuals are often the go-to sources for accurate information. They provide an unbiased view, refraining from exaggeration or manipulation.
In essence, reliability isn't just a trait to be admired; it's a foundational element that permeates every aspect of our professional lives.
Reliability is a cornerstone of professional conduct, manifesting daily in every task and interaction at work. It's a multifaceted trait, encompassing various skills and behaviors:
Team Work: Reliability goes hand in hand with being a dependable team member. It's about being there for your colleagues, offering assistance when needed, and also understanding when to step back. It's a balance of support and autonomy.
Deadlines: At its core, reliability is synonymous with punctuality. Whether it's meeting project deadlines, attending scheduled meetings, or any other commitment, being on time is paramount. If, for any reason, you anticipate a delay, it's essential to communicate and reschedule well in advance. By valuing and respecting others' time, you not only showcase your professionalism but also optimize your own time efficiently.
Communication: Clarity in communication is a hallmark of reliable individuals. They are trusted sources of information, always ensuring that they convey messages accurately and respectfully. Their approach to communication fosters trust and rapport among team members and clients alike.
Planning: Reliable individuals often excel in planning. They approach situations with a clear, realistic lens, neither overestimating nor underestimating challenges. Their ability to prioritize tasks and foresee long-term implications sets them apart.
Emotional Intelligence: Beyond just task execution, reliable individuals are attuned to the emotional and social dynamics of their workplace. They can empathize with a struggling colleague or grasp the ramifications of missed deadlines on clients. Their presence is felt because they're genuinely engaged and responsive to the environment around them.
Accountability: A sense of responsibility is deeply ingrained in reliable individuals. They don't wait for oversight; they're self-driven. Even in flat organizational structures, they often emerge as natural leaders, guiding their teams with a clear vision. They recognize the interconnectedness of their role within the larger organizational framework, ensuring they're never the weak link.
Leadership: In situations that demand leadership, reliable individuals don't shy away. They're ready to step up, take charge, and navigate challenges. Their innate sense of responsibility propels them to lead, even in uncertain terrains.
Organizational Skills: Efficiency and reliability are intertwined. By being organized, reliable individuals can sequence their tasks for maximum efficiency, ensuring that they consistently meet or exceed expectations.
The beauty of reliability is its accessibility. It's not an elusive skill limited to a few; it's a choice, a mindset. Anyone can embrace reliability, making it an integral part of their professional identity, starting this very moment.
Pessimism
Within my teams, I hold two principles sacrosanct and non-negotiable: an unwavering commitment to excellence and an unyielding spirit of optimism.
Pessimism is not just a mere negative outlook; it's a creativity killer. To birth innovative ideas and bring groundbreaking projects to life, one needs an abundance of belief, hope, and sometimes even a touch of naivety. Just a hint of pessimism can derail the most ambitious of projects. The audacity to dream big and the conviction to chase those dreams are fueled by optimism.
Emotionally, pessimism is a heavy burden. Studies have shown that while motivation can ebb and flow, and can be rejuvenated, pessimism tends to linger, growing more potent over time. A fleeting negative thought can act as a catalyst, dredging up a cascade of past negative emotions and experiences. This emotional weight not only affects our mental well-being but also our physical health.
You might be familiar with the 'placebo effect,' where individuals experience improvements in health simply because they believe they're receiving effective treatment, even if it's just a sugar pill. Conversely, researchers studying the effects of pessimism coined the term 'nocebo.' This phenomenon suggests that if you're convinced you'll feel worse or fall ill, your body might just follow suit. Astonishingly, deep-seated pessimism has been linked to severe health issues, including heart ailments and even cognitive disorders like dementia.
In essence, harboring a pessimistic mindset does more harm than one might realize. It's not just about having a gloomy day; it's about how that mindset can affect every facet of our lives, from our professional endeavors to our very health. I firmly believe that there's no room for such negativity when aiming for greatness.
Pessimism has a close relative: cynicism. While both can be detrimental, cynicism often operates in more insidious ways. It's frequently mistaken for intelligence or astuteness. There's a certain allure to the cynic's sharp wit and skeptical outlook, making it seem as though they possess a deeper understanding of the world. Many cynics pride themselves on their perspective, viewing it as a form of hard-earned wisdom. They might even regard those who don't share their views as naive or overly idealistic.
Numerous organizations have fallen prey to the pervasive grip of cynicism. This mindset fosters the belief that most individuals are driven by selfishness, greed, and dishonesty. Research by Dan Chiaburu from Texas A&M and his colleagues indicates that cynicism can predict a host of negative outcomes in the workplace, ranging from poor performance and burnout to increased turnover and even dishonest behaviors. What's more, cynicism is contagious. Those who harbor cynical views often engage in gossip and backstabbing, behaviors that can erode the trust and morale of their peers. This creates a vicious cycle where the cynic's initial suspicions and mistrust become self-fulfilling prophecies.
When we adopt a cynical worldview, we begin to see everyone as self-serving. Acts of kindness are viewed with suspicion, and trust becomes a rare commodity. While such a perspective might seem justified given the scandals of companies like WeWork and Theranos, an overdose of cynicism can poison our individual and collective well-being. Studies have shown that cynics tend to earn less over their lifetimes, are more susceptible to depression, and face a higher risk of heart diseases compared to their more optimistic counterparts.
Alarmingly, cynicism seems to be gaining ground. Data from the General Social Survey revealed that while 45% of Americans believed that "most people can be trusted" in 1972, this figure had dwindled to about 30% by 2018. The 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer further highlighted this decline in trust, with nearly 60% of respondents across 27 countries admitting to a default stance of distrust. This skepticism isn't limited to individuals; trust in political leaders, institutions, and corporations has also seen a sharp decline.
So, what's fueling this rise in cynicism? Several factors come into play. Societal issues like corruption and inequality can breed cynicism. Certain professions, too, can inadvertently promote it. For instance, journalists often thrive by uncovering deceit, while start-up founders might be incentivized to embellish facts, further eroding trust. As we navigate this age of skepticism, it's crucial to strike a balance, ensuring that our protective shields of cynicism don't become barriers to genuine connection and progress.
The insights I offer here are shaped by my years in the field, making them inherently subjective and influenced by my experiences. My views may evolve over time, and I'm open to that change. I'd greatly appreciate your feedback, thoughts, and questions to further refine my understanding. Please don't hesitate to connect.