Chapter 5: The hidden death-grip that silently paralyses every group
Summary:
Having looked at each of the management styles in the preceeding chapters, this chapter brings them all together and shows us what happens when you put a Visionary and Operator and a Processor in a room.
It exploress the different motivations, goals and perspectives of each of these styles, what happens when they meet and how this will bring group interactions to a standstill.
The resources for this chapter will bring out some real life examples of why groups and teams gridlock.
Chapter 5 Resources
Worksheet: Gridlock
Chapter 5 explains that any group containing Visionaries, Operators and Processor will ultimately end up in gridlock due to differences between these parties in three areas:
- Motivation
2. Goals
3. Perspective
This worksheet will examine your motivations, goals and perspectives and how they may clash with others in your group or team.
Activity: The Potential For Gridlock
This activity should be completed for every upcoming group interaction you’re going to have. In it you’ll be conducting an analysis on the motivations, goals and perspectives of each of the group members and evaluating potential areas for gridlock.
Handout: Motivations, Goals and Perspectives
This handout can be given to every member of your group or team to remind them of the differing motivations, goals and perspectives of the team members and the potential they have for gridlock.
Case Study: The Perfect Recipe for Gridlock
The New Labour government of 1997 – 2010 presents a model case study of how the extreme characteristics of a Visionary, Operator and a Processor will ultimately lead to gridlock in any team, group or organization. Or in this case a political party and government.
External Resource: The Blair Years: The Alastair Campbell Diaries
Following on from our Case Study, read the tale of New Labour’s rise to power under Tony Blair from the horse’s mouth (well one of them).
This is an intriguing story of big egos, big plans and ultimately of how a Visionary, Operator and Processor managed to bring a political party and arguably a country, to gridlock. A must for anyone looking to explore a real life example of the lessons in the Synergist.