Great teams are empowered when they attack problems together instead of attacking each other.
A culture of attacking problems will ensure everyone focuses on finding better ways to improve performance than finding scapegoats or excuses. It is far more motivating and rewarding for individuals if they are trusted within a team to make missteps in pursuit of a larger goal.
If a culture of blame is fostered, it will work against the team in a number of ways. It will take valuable energy away from finding a solution. It reduces the motivation of any individual to push for unusual results. And the person who is blamed for a problem may also be the only one who may find the solution.
So regardless of whether you are a leader or a team member, encourage those around you to attack problems together and do away with the friendly fire.
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