This critical influence of leadership is a double-edged sword, with some of the common team leadership pitfalls, as outlined by Janis in 1972 being “collective traps”, “collective fences”, “social loafing and free riders” and “groupthink”.
A “collective trap” is when the leader emphasises individual achievements over team success. This approach can create an environment where teamwork is undervalued and individual contributions are disproportionately recognised. This diminishes the essence of teamwork and creates an imbalanced work culture where collective goals take a back seat to individual goals.
Another significant pitfall is “collective fences,” where team members operate in silos, leading to a lack of information sharing and collaboration. This isolation hampers the flow of ideas and feedback and creates gaps in understanding and alignment within the team.
“Social loafing” and the presence of “free riders” in a team is another pitfall where certain team members may contribute minimally, relying on others to shoulder most of the workload. This affects the team’s overall productivity and demoralises those who consistently contribute more.
The concept of “groupthink” represents a scenario where decision-making is homogenised, often leading to unchallenged and suboptimal outcomes. In such environments, the fear of conflict or the desire for harmony overrides the necessity for critical evaluation and diverse perspectives.
Team leaders mitigate these traps by fostering team norms and values that prioritise collaboration, shared responsibilities, and open communication. We also seek to encourage diverse viewpoints, facilitate constructive feedback, and recognising team achievements.
Moreover, being vigilant about these pitfalls and actively working to avoid them includes ensuring equitable distribution of work and creating a culture of accountability and mutual support, along with striking a balance between guiding the team and allowing for autonomy, innovation, and personal growth within the team framework.
In conclusion, effective team leadership is more than just managing people; it’s about creating an environment where every team member can thrive, contribute, and feel valued. By being aware of and actively avoiding these common team leadership pitfalls, we help our teams to be more effective and our people to learn and thrive.
