Team development is an important component of leadership. The organization's environment provides the context of the character of that development. Leaders control the fear / love level within the organization. A team grows more effectively and produces sustainable success in an environment of love and respect. An enviroment of fear works in the short term dramatically however it stiffles long term success and the quality of team members that environment attracts.
Organizations and teams driven by love & mutual respect are marked by openess and authenticity. a respect for diverse viewpoints & people, and emphasis on positive interpersonal relationships. Organizations driven by fear are characterized by cautiousness and secrecy, blaming others, excessive control, and emotional distance between members of the team. The relationship between the employee and their direct supervisor is the prime factor determining level of fear experienced at work.
Daniel Holgren, in his work "Team Development: A Search for Elegance, in Industrial Management, September - October 2007 produces an interesting comparison between Fear-Driven indicators and Love/Respect Indicators:
Fear Driven Indicators: Love/Respect Indicators:
Caution & secrecy Openess & authenticity
Blaming & attacking Understanding diverse viewpoints
Excessive control Expecting others to do great things
Sideline different views Involvement & discernment
Coming unglued Keeping perspective
Aloofness and distance Personal connection
Resistance supressed Resistance out in open & explored
Leaders can create a new environment that enables people to feel safe speaking their minds. Leaders can act from love & respect rather than fear to free employees and the organization from the challenges and negative legacy of the past.
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