Episode 135 – Three hidden patterns that could be holding your team back
Show Notes
Teams often struggle with hidden dysfunctions that disguise themselves as positive behaviours, like pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t, making decisions in corridors rather than as a team, and heaping blame on a single person rather than addressing systemic issues.
These patterns are particularly insidious because they hide under seemingly good intentions, making them difficult to spot and address.
Noj Hinkins is a team coach and leadership development consultant. He’s been working with senior teams for the past 15-20 years, typically at director level and above, doing one-on-one coaching, team building, and leadership development work. He specialises in identifying dysfunctions that can hold teams back.
Three reasons to listen
Recognise when toxic positivity is preventing your team from addressing real problems and creating a disconnect between team members
Identify and eliminate covert processes that override team decisions
Spot scapegoating patterns where teams blame one person for systemic issues
Episode highlights
[00:12:50] Team patterns in 2026
[00:14:19] Toxic positivity
[00:24:23] Covert process
[00:30:33] Scapegoating
[00:41:39] What to do first if you spot these patterns
