New CEO Doug Wright has a problem. His leadership team displays dysfunctional behaviors. Infighting is rampant, and cooperation and sharing of information are nonexistent. At meetings, most team members do not participate in the discussion, resigned to sitting quietly after they give an update on their respective responsibilities. Recently, two chief executives suddenly quit, leaving the other team members gossiping about the reasons. 

Doug has spoken to the team (both as a group and individually) at length about the problem. He has touted the values of openness, honesty, and trust. He has encouraged the team members to speak their minds and has informed them of the no-recrimination policy he has just instituted. But still, the team seems removed, content with doing as it is told. 

Frustrated, Doug contacts Roxanne Samanski, an organizational development consultant. The first question he asks her is, “Shall I fire all of them and start fresh?” 

Questions 

1. If you were Roxanne, how would you respond to Doug? What suggestions would you offer? 

2. What role does lack of trust play in this situation? 

3. Do you think it’s important to find out the history of this team to understand its current dysfunctions?