#20 – Uncovering The Influence of Rotten Apples on Team Dynamics

In this week’s episode of “Impactful Teamwork,” I shared an experience that underscores the crucial role attitude plays in creating high-performing teams. As leaders, it’s imperative to recognise the power of attitude within a team—both its ability to uplift and its potential to dismantle. Here’s a deep dive into what I learned, with actionable insights for corporate HR leaders and business managers.

The Power of Attitude: A Real-Life Example

I recently visited Eat Sleep Ride, a community interest group in Scotland, run by my friend Dani McKinnon. This organisation helps young people develop life and leadership skills through interaction with horses, while also working with business leaders. The environment at Eat Sleep Ride is charged with positive energy, driven by Dani’s inspiring leadership and the incredible attitudes of her volunteers.

What struck me most was how these volunteers—many of whom are young people facing their own challenges—displayed unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. Despite facing significant obstacles, such as last-minute changes in plans, they rallied together to ensure the success of a business showcase. This kind of dedication, driven by a positive attitude, is a powerful testament to the impact of collective spirit within a team.

The Law of the Bad Apple: Why Attitude Matters

Reflecting on my experience at Eat Sleep Ride, I was reminded of a concept from leadership expert John Maxwell called “The Law of the Bad Apple.” This principle suggests that while talent is important, a good attitude among team members is essential for success. Conversely, a single bad attitude can sabotage the entire team’s efforts.

Maxwell likens a bad attitude to a rotten apple in a fruit bowl—it doesn’t just spoil itself, but spreads decay to everything around it. This is why nurturing a positive attitude within a team is not just beneficial; it’s essential for the team’s success.

Five Key Principles of Attitude in Teams

To better understand the role of attitude in teamwork, consider these five principles:

1. Attitudes Have the Power to Lift or Tear Down a Team

Dennis Waitley, in his book The Winner’s Edge, emphasises that the true leaders in any field are distinguished not by their talent or intelligence, but by their attitude. Talent alone isn’t enough; it’s the combination of talent and a positive attitude that creates a winning team. Without the right attitude, even the most talented team can falter.

2. Attitudes Compound When Exposed to Others

Unlike talent or experience, which are not necessarily contagious, attitude is. A team member with a positive, can-do attitude can inspire others to adopt the same mindset. Conversely, a negative attitude can spread like wildfire, dragging the entire team down. Leaders like Dani at Eat Sleep Ride demonstrate the power of a positive attitude in galvanising a team, even in the face of adversity.

3. Bad Attitudes Compound Faster Than Good Ones

Unfortunately, negative attitudes tend to spread more quickly than positive ones. A single team member who constantly finds faults or is resistant to change can create a ripple effect of negativity throughout the team. Leaders must be vigilant in addressing bad attitudes promptly before they infect the entire group.

4. Attitudes Are Subjective and Difficult to Identify

Identifying a bad attitude isn’t always straightforward. It’s often a gut feeling, a sense that something is off within the team dynamic. Signs of a bad attitude can include an inability to admit wrongdoing, holding grudges, petty jealousy, arrogance, or a critical spirit. These behaviors can silently erode team cohesion and productivity if not addressed.

5. A Rotten Attitude Will Ruin Everything If Left Unchecked

If a bad attitude is not addressed, it will inevitably cause division and resentment within the team. This is why it’s crucial for leaders to take action at the first sign of trouble. Ignoring the issue will only allow it to fester and grow, ultimately sabotaging the team’s potential.

The Consequences of Ignoring a Bad Attitude

I’ve experienced firsthand the consequences of not addressing a bad attitude within a team. While working at Arthur Andersen, I hired someone based on their expertise, despite having a gut feeling that their attitude might not align with the team’s values. Over time, this individual’s negative attitude began to impact the entire team, to the point where my other team members threatened to quit if I didn’t take action. This experience taught me the importance of trusting my instincts and prioritising attitude over expertise in team dynamics.

The Role of Leadership in Cultivating Positive Attitudes

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the attitudes of team members. Leaders must model the positive behaviours they want to see in their teams. This includes being resilient in the face of challenges, showing appreciation for team efforts, and fostering an environment where every team member feels valued and heard.

At Eat Sleep Ride, Dani exemplifies this type of leadership. Her positive, can-do attitude not only motivates her volunteers but also creates an environment where they feel inspired to go above and beyond. As corporate leaders, we can learn a great deal from this approach. By cultivating a positive attitude within ourselves and our teams, we can drive higher levels of engagement, productivity, and ultimately, success.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Your Team’s Attitude

As you reflect on your own team, consider the attitudes of your team members. Are they aligned with the goals you’re trying to achieve? Are they willing to go the extra mile because they’re passionate about the work? Most importantly, are you, as a leader, modeling the positive attitudes you want to see in your team?

The success of any team hinges not just on the skills and talents of its members, but on their collective attitude. By fostering a culture of positivity, resilience, and teamwork, you can create a high-performance team that consistently delivers impactful results.

In closing, I invite you to assess the attitudes within your team this week. Identify any potential areas of concern and take proactive steps to address them. Remember, the cost of ignoring a bad attitude is too high—take action now to protect and enhance the performance of your team.

If you have stories of your own about the impact of attitude in your teams, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other’s experiences in building high-performance, impactful teams.

Show Notes:

Here are the highlights from this episode: