How we define ourselves influences not only our views and how we feel but also our behavior. This is also true in the workplace. Are you part of the SMT, or not? Are you ‘Sales’ or ‘IT’ first and an organizational employee second? Were you part of the ‘original organisation’ rather than the merged one? How do you identify the team you manage or work with? Consider the terms you use, the identity labels and how these might influence people’s ability to collaborate effectively. Many of these ‘identity’ groups may be sub-conscious and so much taken-for-granted that we are not even aware of them
What identity do you use when referring to or thinking about your own work group?
How might your labels and identity designation be influencing your own behaviours and opinions?
What needs to happen for you to become more aware of the potential impacts?