Zero Sum Collaboration

Work ethics

Work ethics. The set of principles and values that might be guiding you in your work; dictating from the back of your mind how to communicate with others with integrity and respect, how to approach conflicts with a non-violent approach, how to deliver your best work every time.

Not everybody has a set of work ethics. And, of course, those who do have “something”, might disagree with one another on them. It is highly subjective. But is there some common ground that can be found? Something classic like “respect all people” or “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Surely we could all agree on that, right?

Well… a lot of people would quickly claim that “I need to protect myself first, and then I can help others”. Depending on their life philosophy, people might throw you under a bus in order to save themselves. And they might even be thinking how good and kind they are to do this, during the whole episode. Beware of these people.

Collaboration

But what happens in a collaborative environment? When you are part of a team, that has a leader, a manager, a manager’s manager? When you have Tech Leads, senior engineers, junior engineers? When you have individuals with different aspirations, different set of skills and different interests?

How easy is it to “Win As A Team” (WAAT)?

Surely, the team’s leader and manager should be the first ones to promote and support that mentality. And usually it might be easier to have the more tenured members of the team espouse it first. As with every idea, a “core” of people is needed to get it rolling. Of course, the people with authority can and should do this.

Non-collaboration

However, if the idea that is formed by the “core” is one of “work alone!”, “work more!”, “be more visible!”, then it is quite obvious that WAAT will never be possible, for the simple reason that it was never the goal. And thus, non-collaboration is born.

Everyone working by themselves, for themselves (not for the team). Everyone chasing the limited spots at promotion and raise, which come from projects and recognition. Disrespect people’s time, and you will then have: overworked, tired, competitive, individualistic employees that look at each other with suspicion and jealousy.

Total failure of team management.

The team will stop working. The individuals will start leaving the team.

What comes next

Falling into this trap, you surely would want to escape it. Evaluate the individuals. Find the good ones and promote them to positions of authority. Take the bad ones out. Change the management of the team.

Make sure that everyone understands that the whole team is playing the game.

Give raises to everyone who has adapted to a team-spirited way of working 6 months from now. Give promotions as well, to those who shined in this.`