Cooperation is the result of respect and honor for one another and elevates performance. Conversely, internal competition within organizations depletes the energy and exhausts the individuals. Fearful environments do not promote friendships and, instead, cause suspicion, paranoia, rivalry and insecurity. Working in a fear-based culture impacts not only work performance but actually blocks teamwork and cooperation.
Many leaders employ individuals to meet the goals of the company; unfortunately the method used to achieve the goal is accomplished through coercion and suppression. People are not productive under this structure and few can withstand the criticism coming from fear-based management. Â Applying pressure to those who are actually working well restrains their enthusiasm, eventually crushes their desire to do well, and distracts them from the actual goals of the company.
Few companies currently operate from principles for a compassionate culture. Compassion is often viewed as a weakness when in actuality; it is a trait of great leadership. Strength of character and gentleness of the heart are the powerful components of compassion. Â Authentic leaders throughout time have possessed compassion and humility, rather than greed and self-aggrandizement.
Here is one step leaders can take to create cooperation and teamwork.
Hold a vision that benefits everyone.
Teamwork and mutual engagement arise when the vision benefits all those participating in its attainment. Unrealized potential and employees working “just for a paycheck†are the result of goals that benefit only those at the top. Top-down, fear based management is an old model that will become obsolete as enlightened leaders take the reins.
