Anonymous
The individual in question was hired for a new team I was setting up to build a product from scratch for an internal client. Since this was a new initiative, we needed to collaborate with multiple internal partners and conduct a series of brainstorming sessions. Unfortunately, this candidate frequently exhibited a fixed mindset during discussions, often leading to arguments that created discomfort among other team members.
I noticed this behavior during meetings, and several team members shared similar concerns in their one-on-ones, mentioning that their ideas and opinions were often dismissed or debated. This feedback highlighted a risk to team morale and the potential loss of valuable input from the group.
I addressed these concerns with the individual directly, emphasizing that teamwork and collaboration are essential to our success, and that respecting others’ input strengthens the final product. Although the individual initially seemed receptive, the behavior persisted. Consequently, I implemented formal coaching on teamwork and collaboration, and took a more active role in guiding discussions to create a comfortable environment for the team. The individual was placed on a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan) focused on teamwork in their focal review. Over subsequent quarterly reviews, I observed significant improvement in their approach to team discussions, with notable progress in collaborative behavior.
