Before I begin, I should have a disclaimer… If you have any of these characteristics, it doesn’t make you bad. You aren’t wrong or inferior.
BUT… in business, when you are building a team, these behaviors will hinder your ability to be successful. You may find some success, but you will be limited financially. So it’s important to be aware if this is you. All I ask is that you read with an open mind and be rigorously honest with yourself.
1) You’re quick to say “yes” to your teammates without pausing to consider how you feel.
Don’t overwhelm yourself by saying yes to too many situations. Saying no is okay. You have to be able to draw the line and be concise and clear on your boundaries. People will begin to respect your level of discipline.
2) You frequently make excuses or compensate for your teammates’ lack of production.
Both of these are a recipe for disaster. Making excuses is simply just wasted time and it won’t make you money. If a teammate isn’t producing up to your standards, it’s your job to let them know in a diplomatic and classy way.
3) You think you’re helping your teammates by enrolling people for them.
(Network Marketing) It’s one thing to do a 3-way call for your teammate, but if you are enrolling people for them, you aren’t helping anyone. In fact, you’re hurting yourself because it should be yours, and your supportive acts fosters unhealthy dependence.
4) You’re giving way more to your teammates than you’re receiving in return.
The classic over-giver. It’s okay to support and I’m not saying never to give something, but if you’re doing too much for others, you’re setting the stage for disappointment. It’s time to let go and let each person take responsibility for themselves.
5) Your teammates are constantly taking advantage of your good qualities.
Do you feel like you’re always being taken advantage of by your teammates? If this is the case, it’s maybe time to reevaluate your self-worth. Always realize your time is valuable. Being available ALL THE TIME can lead to codependent and irresponsible teammates.
6) You feel responsible for your teammates struggles and/or pain.
Look, not everyone is cut out for business. Some people will struggle and that’s okay. But that’s not you. At the end of the day, everyone is responsible for their own happiness. You are NOT responsible for the feelings of others.
7) Your relationship with your team is controlling.
You can’t control every person on your team. It’s simply not possible. If you find yourself wanting to punish teammates for every little thing they do wrong, then your mindset is in the wrong place. If you try to manipulate, guilt, or dominate people into a job well done, you will soon find people leaving your team.
The biggest co-dependency issue is the need to control. Control is force. The opposite? Allowing. That means allowing people to learn. Allowing people to make their own mistakes. Allowing people to take responsibility for their own failures. You want to move people forward, but you’re not emotionally attached to it. You’re the coach. The coach can’t play the game for the team, but they can surely lead them in the right direction.
Show them the tools and skills, and LET GO OF CONTROL!
Jeffery Combs