The Co-Creator's Dilemma: How Hubris and Workplace Politics Get in the Way

by Ian Clawson

Too much hubris can destroy teamwork

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With real innovation, collaboration is key, but several obstacles can make it difficult to achieve a truly unified team. The problem is that many leaders and team members unknowingly contribute to a culture that undermines trust and shared vision, which needs to be addressed for teams to co-create business success.

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“There are three ways of dealing with difference: domination, compromise, and integration. By domination only one side gets what it wants; by compromise neither side gets what it wants; by integration we find a way by which both sides may get what they wish.” – Mary Parker Follett

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Here are four critical areas that can either make or break a team’s ability to co-create effectively.

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1. Leadership Pride Blocks a Shared Vision

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Pride, and hubris, are the biggest barriers to creating a shared vision within a team. When leaders are too proud to listen to others, they stop accepting valuable feedback and input. This behavior leads to a work environment where personal agendas are prioritized over collective goals.

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Steps to Solve This: Leaders need to practice humility by inviting diverse viewpoints to enable a culture of openness. A leader who encourages honest feedback and surrounds themselves with people who challenge them, not just those who agree, is more likely to succeed in creating a shared vision. Real leaders understand that a shared vision isn’t just about pushing their ideas onto others but about building something together.

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2. Mixed Messages Erode Trust

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When leaders say one thing but do another, it sends mixed signals that can damage trust within a team. For example, if a company promotes transparency but then makes decisions behind closed doors, employees will quickly lose faith in leadership.

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How to Build Trust: Consistency is the key to building trust. Leaders must align their actions with their words and consistently demonstrate integrity. This means following through on promises and acting in ways that reflect the company’s shared values. When leaders are consistent, they build credibility, which is the foundation for any strong team.

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3. Workplace Politics Complicate Team Dynamics

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According to this HBR article: Workplace politics are unavoidable, and trying to sit them out is a mistake. Workplace politics often involve people advancing their interests at the expense of others. This creates a toxic environment where fear and division take root, making it nearly impossible to develop a cohesive team.

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Why This Matters: Politics in the workplace lead to biased decision-making and unfair treatment, which complicates the creation of a unified team story. In strong teams, the best ideas win, not the loudest voices or those with the most power.

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Tips to Address This: Instead of trying to avoid politics, leaders and team members should engage with others in constructive ways. Operating “out in the open” can negate some of the backroom gamesmanship. Transparency is crucial so everyone has access to the same information, which reduces the opportunity for politics to flourish. Leaders should model transparency by being open about decisions and holding everyone accountable for their actions.

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4. The Pressure of Workplace Politics Affects Well-Being

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Constant exposure to workplace politics doesn’t just harm teamwork—it also takes a toll on employees' mental and emotional well-being. Navigating complex power dynamics and alliances is stressful and can lead to burnout.

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Why It’s Important: The mental health of your team is directly tied to their ability to work effectively. A team that is constantly stressed will struggle to collaborate and innovate.

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How to Help Your Team: Promote a culture of openness and fairness. Encourage employees to speak up about their concerns without fear of retribution. Address power imbalances and ensure that recognition and opportunities are given based on merit, not politics.

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5. Creating a Transparent Work Culture

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Transparent workplaces don’t just reduce politics—they also create a sense of ownership and accountability among employees. When everyone knows what’s going on and why decisions are made, they are more likely to buy into the company’s goals.

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Steps to Achieve This: Leaders should ensure that all employees have access to the information they need to do their jobs effectively. Transparency also means that when mistakes happen, they are acknowledged and addressed openly, without trying to hide them. This approach builds a culture of trust and collaboration.

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Adopt Co-Creation to Shape the Future?

We can solve the challenges of leadership pride, mixed messages, and workplace politics with a more principled approach. Cultures that favor behaviors of humility, consistency, and transparency create a workflow where leaders can be trusted, and collaboration thrives. This is how teams move from being a group of individuals to a unified force as they shape the future together.