When evaluating teams, two qualities often need clarification: persistence and stubbornness. Scrum masters, leaders, and managers must distinguish between these traits. Here’s why.
Teams dominated by persistence don’t require gamification and external motivation to move forward and achieve goals. Of course, such tactics can be applied to these individuals, but they manage quite well without them. These teams actively propose and test hypotheses, search for innovative solutions, and consistently deliver results. They move towards their goals with small, decisive steps, day after day. This approach is based on a deeply rooted commitment to progress and an internal drive to overcome difficulties.
On the other hand, stubbornness is observed in teams that repeatedly try to revive a failed strategy. They use a non-working tool again and again, or save a long-failed project. It’s like to trying to breathe life into the “dead horse.” Despite clear signs that something is not working and will not yield a positive result, such teams persist in their efforts, repeating the same actions over and over again. They hope to achieve a positive outcome after an unknown number of failures.
This stubbornness inevitably leads to burnout, disappointment, and stagnation. Teams afflicted with stubbornness lack the critical assessment necessary for effective change and evolutionary adaptation of actions and strategy. In particularly severe cases, such teams desperately resist any attempts of critical reflection of their efforts, no matter whether these attempts are internal or external.
Distinguishing between persistence and stubbornness may seem like a challenging task, but it’s not all that difficult. Teams exhibiting persistence may look tired at the moment, yet there remains a spark in their eyes—a clear sign of their goal-oriented nature and focus on results.
Conversely, stubborn teams also show signs of fatigue and strenuous work. However, the vital spark of energy and rational purpose has long been extinguished. If you find that you can’t differentiate between these two states, possibly falling into the trap of stubbornness, consider seeking an external perspective. Sometimes, an outside look at the situation can provide the clarity needed to understand the real dynamics of your team.
Note! Persistence focuses on goals, while stubbornness focuses on tools, methods, and processes.
The goal of any team should be to maximize persistence and minimize stubbornness. This balance is crucial for maintaining a healthy, innovative, and productive work environment.
For those involved in supporting and developing teams, it is vital to cultivate a culture that encourages critical thinking, welcomes changes, and understands when it’s time to abandon what does not produce results.
By doing so, you ensure that your team remains persistent, and goal-oriented, and does not lose focus and motivation in the face of challenges.