Colin on Culture Culture Speak: Part Four - Combatant Culture
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Sep 13, 2025 Explore the dynamics of combatant cultures, where high engagement meets low emotional intelligence. Discover how stress and anxiety can undermine teamwork, despite a few standout performers. Learn the dangers of toxic behaviors and how they can distort engagement scores. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues swiftly. There's also a look at why busyness is often mistaken for productivity. Understanding your workplace culture is essential for fostering a healthier, more productive environment.
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Engagement Is A Two-Way Street
- Engagement requires both organisational support and individual commitment to work and teammates.
- Emotional intelligence determines whether high engagement becomes constructive or damaging.
When High Engagement Turns Harsh
- A combatant culture pairs high engagement with low emotional intelligence, producing abrasive behaviours.
- Small doses can refocus a team, but prolonged combat harms respect and morale.
The Hair-Dryer Moment That Recalibrated A Team
- Colin recalls a retail boss who issued a blunt directive without losing respect or emotional control.
- He describes it as a metaphorical "kick up the pants" that refocused the team without demeaning them.