Having a difference of opinion is not a matter of if but a matter of when. In today’s episode of IntHerrupt, Linda talks with a long-time consultant, Tammy J. Bond, to learn how to deal with conflict and transform dysfunctional teams into high-performing teams.
What makes a high-performing team?
- The leader and their ability to communicate effectively have a large influence on the ability of the team to be high performing. Tammy often hears from organizations that a lack of communication is the number one issue they are facing.
- The most effective teams know how to communicate and they have a leader who rolls up their sleeves and does the work with them. They display a collaborative style of leadership.
- A good leader has taken the time to understand their team members' motivations and leads around that. They create a shared vision with their teams.
What should you do when a difference of opinion arises?
- We have an opportunity, when going into conflict, to hold people in the highest regard. Tammy suggests entering conflict believing the best in the other individuals.
- When destructive conflict happens we should pause the conversation and figure out the real purpose of what we are trying to accomplish.
- Leave personal matters aside.
How do you move forward in a dysfunctional team?
- It starts with the leader.
- Determine a shared goal and make sure everyone understands their part in how to get there.
- When conflict comes up, it's not about I'm right and you're wrong - it's about finding a consensus.
- Agree to commit to not throwing anyone under the bus - the agreed-upon plan is everyone's plan.
- Keep the goal in mind. Everyone needs to be rowing in the same direction.
How can differences of opinion make an individual more successful?
- Oftentimes when an individual has a difference of opinion they are creative and looking for opportunities to do things differently.
- They have bold curiosity and they ask what else can we do?
- Give yourself a time limit to be curious.
What is the best team that Tammy has worked on?
- The best was also the worst at the same time.
- The team was aligned to making changes but the CEO was conflict avoidant. The team then had to figure out how to creatively solve the problem.
- They were collaborative but clear on what the goal was.
Tammy's advice to people who feel stuck
- Identify your core values. This is where our decision-making comes from.
- Tammy’s core values are family, integrity, and self-respect.
- Tammy recognized that she was in an environment where her core values were not being met and so she changed course.
How has Tammy overcome interruption?
- When her daughter was diagnosed with a severe mental illness, Tammy put her business on pause to take care of her family.
- It was difficult, but it aligned with her core values and her family needed her.
For more content and information from Tammy, connect with her on Linkedin, visit her company website at tammyjbond.com, and check out her book Playing In The Sandbox. Do you have stories to tell? Connect with Linda to share them. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.
