Conflict between employees can drive even the most patient manager crazy! Why do some team members prioritize relationships while others focus entirely on tasks and results?

Why are your staff driving each other crazy? What's going on? Sometimes, we wish everyone would just get along, but unfortunately, that's not always the case!

There is a concept called metaprograms, which are systems in our brain that influence our behaviour, emotions, what inspires or motivates us to take action, and even our preferred working styles and productivity patterns.

Watch the video or continue reading.

Let's take a closer look at one specific metaprogram that can help explain why people sometimes clash in the workplace. It's a productivity or working pattern called Organization.

Person vs. Thing: How Our Brains Organize Information

The way people organize information in their brains can influence how they make decisions and what they pay attention to.

Some people are more inclined to focus on the PERSON, while others naturally focus on the THING.

In other words, when faced with a situation, some people immediately think, "Who is affected by this?" while others think, "What needs to be done?"

Is the task more important, or is the person more important?

Very often, this difference creates friction when someone who is more Person-oriented interacts with someone who is more Thing-oriented.

Let's look at a few examples.

Production: Zero. Punchlines: Excellent!

Imagine a workplace where an employee is constantly arriving late. Everyone is frustrated because the entire production line is waiting for this person to show up.

From a Thing-oriented perspective, the priority is clear: production needs to happen, and this employee's lateness is affecting everyone.

But then someone says, "Well, we can't really be mad at him. He's such a great person, and he tells the best jokes at lunchtime!"

Really?

How Workplace Conflict Affects Team Productivity

Of course, the person is important. However, when the entire production line is suffering because someone isn't fulfilling their responsibilities, we have a problem.

In this situation, there's too much focus on the Person and not enough on the Thing.

She's So Nice! But Can She Play Basketball?

Now imagine you're recruiting players for a basketball team.

Someone suggests, "Let's pick number three!"

Another person responds, "But she hasn't made a single basket! She's zero for 24!"

"Yes, but she's SUCH a nice person!"

Can you see the problem?

If we recruit someone simply because they're nice, without considering whether they have the skills required for the job, we could be setting the entire team up for failure.

The same thing happens in organizations.

Sometimes, employees receive promotions because they're popular, friendly, or well-liked rather than because they're competent or qualified for the position.

And that can create serious friction among team members.

Once again, there's too much emphasis on the Person and not enough on the Thing.

When Policies Become More Important Than People

Now, the reverse is also true.

Sometimes, there's too much focus on the Thing and not enough on the Person.

Imagine an employee approaching their manager and saying:

"My mother died in a rollerblading accident. I need a day off to attend her funeral."

The manager responds:

"Nope! The policy doesn't mention rollerblading accidents. No exceptions!"

WHAT?!

It's an exaggerated example, of course, but it illustrates what can happen when someone becomes so focused on policies, procedures, and rules that they forget about the human being standing in front of them.

The policy, the paperwork, and what needs to be done suddenly become more important than the person.

And that's not right either!

We need to consider people's feelings, circumstances, and needs.

Policies are important, but so are the people those policies affect.

A True Story: When My Husband Brings Me Lunch

When I'm not travelling or speaking at events, I work from home.

Very often, I'm completely absorbed in a task. I'm concentrating, creating content, writing, or working on a project.

And then my wonderful husband walks into my office with lunch.

How thoughtful, right?

Well, my immediate reaction used to be something like:

"You're disturbing me!"

Not exactly the response he was hoping for!

Why did I react that way?

Because at that moment, I was completely focused on a Thing. The task I was working on seemed more important than the Person standing in front of me.

But once I became aware of my own metaprogram and my natural preference, I was able to adjust my reaction.

Now, when my husband walks into my office, I'm happy to see him!

I recognize that, in that moment, the Person is more important than the Thing.

Of course, there are exceptions.

If I'm recording an important video or delivering a live presentation to a client, I certainly don't want to be interrupted!

In those situations, the Thing needs to take priority.

And that's perfectly fine.

The Secret Is Knowing When to Prioritize People and When to Prioritize Tasks

Understanding your own metaprograms can help you become more aware of your natural preferences and adjust your behaviour when necessary.

It's not about changing who you are. It's about recognizing that your preferred way of thinking isn't necessarily the best approach in every situation.

Sometimes, the Person needs to come first.

Other times, the Thing needs to take priority.

The key is learning to recognize which one deserves your attention in a particular situation.

And this brings us back to our original question:

Why are your staff driving each other crazy?

Because some naturally focus on People, while others naturally focus on Things!

One person is concerned about relationships, feelings, and how decisions affect others. Another is focused on tasks, results, deadlines, and getting things done.

Neither approach is inherently right or wrong.

But when people don't understand these differences, misunderstandings, frustrations, and conflicts can arise.

Imagine how much easier it would be to lead your team if everyone understood why their colleagues approach situations differently!

Instead of judging one another, team members could learn to appreciate their different perspectives and adjust how they communicate.

Great teamwork isn't about getting everyone to think the same way. It's about understanding how people think differently and knowing how to bring those differences together.

And that is one of the ways understanding the LAB Profile® can help you create a more collaborative, productive, and harmonious workplace.

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