We implemented a new process over a year ago that a long-time colleague continues to resist. Despite continued efforts made over the months to work with this team member and ensure they understand, they continue to do old process, hampering productivity and reducing compliance. Team lead is aware but does not seem to be having any effect. As a colleague, I have no authority for offering incentives or discipline. Based on experience, anything coming directly from me is seen as a challenge and results in hostility and increased conflict. This team member’s work plays an important part in others’ work flows and therefore hampers our team’s overall success. Any suggestions would be welcome.

The Team Doc Says…

It’s a sad state of affairs and can totally demoralize an entire team when one team member refuses to contribute to the goals of the team by resisting. I’d say you’re stuck if the team leader refuses to take action. It’s a shame that this scenario is played over and over in the business world because of leadership who will not deal with the real issue.

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of communication to resolve an issue. If you can get all the team members on board with you, it might be worthwhile to have a meeting to walk through the processes your team is responsible for completing – discussing at each step the reason why something is done a certain way, identifying dependencies, and getting confirmation from each team member that they will properly complete their step of the process.

Has anyone on the leadership team noticed that your team’s results are not what they expect? Are you in a situation where the team process gets audited so the failure to complete processes properly would stand out? These are a few questions you can ask to get the ball rolling toward improvement, but the bottom line is that as long as the leadership is willing to let this behavior go nothing will change. That means you need to decide if this team is the right one for you or if it’s time to consider moving on.

What do you think reader? Please leave a comment.