Call it what you will – work place politics, gossip or a venting episode – the results are still the same. Hard feelings, negative attitudes and a decline in employee engagement are included in the fall out. What about declining productivity, lack of trust and low employee morale?
Of course the people participating in the triangulation think their episode will be kept private. Episodes of this nature rarely are. What is said in the heat of the moment almost always makes it back to the person being talked about. True triangulation at its best! Ask yourself if this is what was intended? Is this how you want your character defined or your workplace culture?
Speaking of workplace culture. . . workplace culture is significant, and as important, if not more important, than your business strategy. In today’s business world, workplace culture cannot afford the hit it will take when triangulation is present.
Team members who truly respect one another and value each other’s views and opinions help define a positive workplace culture. Also included in the definition are highly engaged staff members that will go above and beyond what is expected and who are personally driven toward the success of the organization. Workplace culture will either strengthen or undermine what it is you are trying to achieve. Culture is always a work in progress. It can and will change and evolve over time, and is dependent on what is tolerated in the workplace. Tolerating triangulation will erode a positive workplace culture. It is essential that creating and sustaining culture be as important as achieving the objectives of your business strategy… it’s too significant to ignore and shaping it is one of your most important responsibilities as leaders.