Workplace Cliques: A Sign of Dysfunction In Your Team

If you've ever dealt with the demoralising effects of cliques at work, you know just how damaging they can be. These exclusive little clubs breed an "insiders vs. outsiders" mentality that cripples teamwork and erodes trust.

As leaders, it's on us to recognise the warning signs before cliques take root and poison our cultures. Cliques can breed at many times, but often when there is:

?? New leadership - creating an "old gang vs. new gang" divide?

?? New hires not gelling with an established, tight-knit team

?? Those resisting change squaring off against early adopters

For example, it's not uncommon to see pre-COVID team members forming a clique against newer pandemic-era hires, or vice versa if the post-gang don’t feel that they have been properly on boarded into the team culture. Or groups splintering into pro- and anti-transformation factions when companies evolve. Even a leadership shake-up can incite the old guard to circle the wagons.

But no matter the root cause, the effects are toxic:

?? Fractured communication and lack of transparency

?? A lack of trust, and disengagement for any positive change

?? Hampered innovation and suffocated idea-sharing

?? Unproductive competition replacing true collaboration

At their core, cliques undermine the healthy team dynamics high-performers need to thrive.?

They prioritise conformity over candour and create an atmosphere of mistrust rather than psychological safety.

As I always remind my clients, you've got to be proactive in shutting down clique behaviour before it takes over your organisation:

1. Understand the reasons behind the cliques - could you be doing better in communicating to all parties
2. Resetting/refreshing company values, setting clear culture codes requiring inclusivity and professionalism. Model what you preach.
3. Paint the picture for the future - what is the vision? How are you communicating this to get everyone on board??
4. Improve communication across departments and cliques. Helping your teams develop greater EQ.?
5. Coach any leaders who are inadvertently fuelling clique dynamics.
6. If necessary, break up counterproductive cliques through strategic moves (team restructuring, reseating, etc).

It takes constant vigilance against the "us vs them" toxicity cliques breed. Whether it's old-timers hazing the new class or change resistors battling the forward-thinkers, you can't let this dysfunction slide.

We want our people unified around shared purpose and values - not finding petty ways to exclude and alienate each other. It's on leaders to safeguard that healthy, drama-free culture we all deserve.

How have you dealt with workplace cliques?

I'll admit, it's a constant challenge - especially during periods of growth and change! But it's one we need to take head-on to build cohesive, high-performing teams.

If you're looking for some support with your leadership team then get in touch!

#TeamDynamics #Cliques #Communication