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Trojan Horse in Team Dynamics: A Lesson in Boundaries and Collaboration

Writer's picture: Yamini HundareYamini Hundare

In every team, the balance between creativity, autonomy, and collaboration is delicate. Occasionally, we encounter scenarios where the agreed-upon boundaries are subtly overstepped — not with malicious intent, but in ways that create ripple effects throughout the team. Let me share a concept that illustrates this: the Trojan Horse in team dynamics.


The Trojan Horse Analogy

Imagine a scenario where a developer is assigned to fix a bug — a task agreed upon by all stakeholders. On the surface, it seems straightforward: identify the issue, resolve it, and push the fix. But hidden within the bug fix comes something unexpected — unnecessary code improvements, structural changes, or stylistic alterations that were not part of the agreement. While these changes might be well-intentioned, they act as a Trojan Horse, introducing disruptions disguised as enhancements.

The Impact of Overstepping Boundaries

What seems like a minor deviation can lead to significant consequences:

  • Negative Impacts on Others: Unsolicited changes may cause conflicts with ongoing work, create additional testing overhead, or require others to adjust their workflows unnecessarily.

  • Illusion of Contribution: While the changes may appear valuable at first glance, they often do not align with the team’s priorities or objectives, diverting attention from the actual problem.

  • Trust Erosion: When agreements are not honoured, it undermines trust within the team, making future collaborations more challenging.


Communication Breakdown: The Focus on Semantics

Another layer of complexity arises when addressing such behaviour. Some individuals might latch onto specific words or parts of a discussion, steering the conversation away from the core issue. Instead of focusing on the broader context and the impact of their actions, they emphasize semantics, portraying themselves as victims of miscommunication.

For instance, if the discussion is about sticking to the agreed scope and avoiding distractions, they might focus on the definition of “distraction” rather than acknowledging the broader agreement about avoiding unsolicited changes. This tactic shifts the narrative and leaves others feeling unheard and frustrated.


Addressing the Trojan Horse

How can teams navigate such dynamics? Here are some strategies:

  1. Clarify Agreements: Ensure that all team members have a shared understanding of the scope and boundaries of their tasks. Document agreements when necessary to avoid ambiguity.

  2. Focus on Outcomes: When addressing concerns, emphasize the impact of actions on the team’s goals and dynamics rather than individual behaviours. Use objective examples to illustrate the issue.

  3. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a safe space where team members can express their concerns without fear of blame. Encourage constructive feedback and mutual accountability.

  4. Reinforce Boundaries: If boundaries are repeatedly crossed, it’s essential to address the behaviour directly and collaboratively explore solutions to prevent recurrence.

  5. Promote Team Alignment: Regularly revisit and align on the team’s goals, priorities, and norms to ensure everyone is on the same page.








    Created using Canva.com - By Yamini
    Created using Canva.com - By Yamini

Moving Forward Together

The Trojan Horse concept is a powerful reminder that even small, seemingly harmless actions can have outsized impacts on team dynamics. By fostering clear communication, mutual respect, and a focus on shared objectives, teams can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.

Remember, collaboration thrives when everyone honours their commitments and approaches their work with integrity and transparency. Let’s leave the Trojan Horses in the history books where they belong, and instead build a culture of trust and alignment.



 


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