Territorial Games

Turf Wars Happen

Turf Wars occur in any organizations and within any kind of group. These behaviors are artifacts of outdated “territorial instincts.” This point of view eliminates blame so a group can stop being defensive or hiding out in denial. Everybody does it - so everybody should look for it in their work lives. Once they look for it...they can change it. The idea is to increase personal responsibility for collaborative behaviors with an “eyes wide open” personal assessment.

One presentation of the ten games can change the dynamics of a group. The group can have important conversations about "game playing" without targeting individuals or risking retribution. People can admit they possess instincts common to all human beings. That’s easy. They move directly into conversations about changing behaviors.

“Territory” is no longer about geography. Territory has become intangible. What do people get territorial about these days? Information, Relationships, and Status as an Expert

Here are the ten games. Do you recognize any from your work group?

In Meetings

Intimidation – silence others with scare tactics
Filibuster – dominate the meeting
Camouflage – get people off track

During Implementation

Invisible Walls – sabotage the logistics of progress
Strategic-Non-Compliance – say “yes” and do “no”
Information Manipulation – spin, inflate figures, distort meaning

Social Behaviors

Shunning – silence by undermining feelings of worth
Powerful Alliances – using contacts to overrule
Discredit – sow seeds of distrust

Information and relationships

Occupation – withholding and hoarding

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