Overcoming workplace dysfunction, with Zach Montroy
Does your workplace resemble a battlefield where no one collaborates, communication constantly breaks down, and productivity takes a hit?
Are your people more invested in politicking, one-upmanship, and other internal conflicts than driving the business forward?
If this sounds familiar, it's a sign that your business is grappling with dysfunctional team dynamics where power struggles, lack of trust, and poor communication make success a challenge.
But what leads to this dysfunction in the first place?
How does it impact the growth and the financial well-being of your business?
And how can you overcome this dysfunction to cultivate a healthier and more productive work environment?
In today's episode, Zach Montroy and I address workplace dysfunction and its impact on your business. We'll share practical strategies to restore collaboration, boost productivity, and improve your team's well-being, helping you maintain steady growth.
Zach is the Founder and CEO of The Intention Collective and a leadership team coach with over 20 years of experience in executive roles.
Zach’s passion for helping leaders expand their impact and build trust has led him to focus on helping entrepreneurs scale and grow their businesses.
As a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, Zach is known for his ability to distill complex concepts into actionable insights that help businesses achieve their goals.
With a deep understanding of the importance of both strategy and culture in achieving sustainable growth, Zach helps companies create high-functioning, high-
impact organizations through his innovative approach to leadership.
We discuss:
02:40 Prioritizing healthy team dynamics leads to business growth because healthy teams produce good outcomes while neglecting team wellbeing leads to burnout and frequent turnovers.
7:29 Cultural issues often stem from the lack of trust and courage, and the resulting dysfunction can lead to back-channeling, politicking, fear, shame, blame, gossip, favoritism, and nostalgia for the "good old days.
10:36 Leaders need trust, courage, and healthy boundaries to confront difficult facts within their team and to build a healthy work culture.
15:43 Leaders should apologize when wrong, create a healthy feedback mirror, prioritize clear communications, and explain their decision-making processes to build trust with their team.
20:25 Evaluate work success along the way, not just at the end, using "mile markers" and feedback.
24:25 Receiving feedback is a skill that can be learned, requiring curiosity and a willingness to become vulnerable.
32:08 Cultivate a healthier team dynamic by reassessing core values, aligning them with your desired culture, and examining and refining your existing habits.
Resources:
Zach Montroy, People, Team & Organizational Strategist, Founder & CEO, The Intention Collective:
https://www.intentioncollective.co/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharymontroy/
Email:
Zach@IntentionCollective.co
Books Mentioned:
- John Gottman: What Makes Love Last?: How to Build Trust and Avoid Betrayal
- Brené Brown: Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
- Jim Collins: Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0: Turning Your Business into an Enduring Great Company
- Kim Scott: Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity
Kathy Svetina, Fractional CFO:
https://www.newcastlefinance.us/
Blog post | Overcoming Workplace Dysfunction
https://www.newcastlefinance.us/post/overcoming-workplace-dysfunction