Over the course of past few years, I have had the opportunity to be involved with several teams in different geographies. However distinct these groups are, there seems to be patterns of people / group behavior that stand out. Here are few that I can recollect now.

A common phenomenon in bigger teams, the ‘team’ breaks apart into smaller silos. Each such gang is held intact by a common feature – common language (more often than not this is the case) or a common habit like drinking, smoking. Sometimes, circumstances forces people into a silo – few frustrated employees try to hang out together.

Whatever be the reason, such an establishment is detrimental to the whole team. They usually form a powerful fraternity that ends up influencing the course of actions taken by the team. With such a dominant force, people who are not ‘qualified’ to be in the ‘group’, get demoralized and feel left out. Believe me, I have been through this. In my previous job, there was a very powerful Tamil speaking group. Many of the team problems (mainly technical), started, discussed and concluded in Tamil, leaving very less room for others to contribute. No wonder, they snatched all the accolades.

Strong leaders waste no time, in demolishing such groups. Unfortunately, I have not witnessed a single demolition act yet.

Such groups also organize pity parties, where they discuss and vent out the frustrations about everything that happens in office – from seating to business strategy. They grab every occasion that comes by – lunch, coffee-break, late night parties - whatever and wherever.

Usually, they belong to the bottom of the corporate food chain. Cattle that they are, what else could be a better means than a pity party, to vent out their ire on a higher carnivore.

Sometimes, it gets personal and ugly; especially, when they are incensed over a peer. Lampooning people, cursing upper management, Peer-bashing are few of the favorite pastimes of the pity party.

Visibility Stunts
This write-up won’t be complete, unless I dedicate a few lines to those hungry souls that are craving for attention (Actually, I do not want to incur their wrath by ignoring their valiant efforts ;-)).

Proving oneself smart (over the rest) is a favourite means to this end. They know whom to prey – usually, their peers (and, likely to be of the same gender) whom they count as adversaries and have to settle scores with them. Intended outcome: Visibility; By product: They have outwitted you (Good Job, Cocky! ;-)) and may be, they have impressed a female colleague who happens to be around, as well!

Beware of them. They package crap as the coolest thing, and go around trying to ‘Wow’ people. They throw that package at you and say, "Pick it up, dude! This is the coolest thing you would have ever come across".

“Holy Crap. Grow up People!”

The J-Factor
Did you say “You have a cynical view of this world. My colleagues are my brothers!”? Hang on. The Inter-personal relation in a corporate environment is very fragile. Your colleague is friendly towards you because, he does not foresee that you can challenge him. Let me explain this.

Most of the colleagues, maintain a perceived impression about you in their minds - about what your stature is. The relation is harmonious as long as they do not perceive you as a threat. The moment that impression is challenged – say, you prove them wrong and that you are worth much more, or your wins start demanding their share of limelight, the J-Factor kicks in. The implications: they retreat to a shell, do not exude the same warmth they used to, make up reasons for not co-operating, blah-blah…

That said, am sure you would agree to a few points at least. Perhaps, it would be apt to call this write-up 'Clique psychology' (instead of 'Team Psychology').

As a parting thought, I would like to quote this statement that I came across recently in a book. “If you want to be extra-ordinary, stop being ordinary”.