12.5 Infighting

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When the inevitable friction arises between team players, it is natural to make judgments, take sides, mete out punishment, lecture or hector, and so forth. Ask yourself what purpose it serves when you act out your frustration. Although it is not a bad idea that stakeholders recognize you have a bite to go along with that bark, it is a hand you do not want to overplay, either. Remind yourself that taking sides or playing favorites is quite dangerous. It may be true in the business world that we do not worry too much about the self-esteem of those with whom we interact. Still, do you really want to make enemies, or get too cozy with a particular player at the expense of others, similar to spoiling one child while holding a sibling to higher standards? The individual you ignore or demean today, whether that person is a senior vice president or a shipping clerk, can practically be guaranteed to show up on your critical path tomorrow.

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