Hey Edge walker!
If you’re reading this, you’re already a leader who cares enough to do things differently. So let’s get real: does “team harmony” sometimes feel like code for “stretch yourself thin and keep everyone happy at your own expense”?
I’ve been there, caught between spot fires, competing priorities, and that exhausting urge to be everything to everyone. After 20+ years in leadership, I know the cost of chasing harmony the wrong way: you end up burnt out, your team ends up siloed, and the business ends up stuck.
But here’s the truth: real harmony isn’t about sacrificing yourself or your standards. It’s about creating the structure and alignment that lets everyone row in the same direction, without you playing referee.
Why Teams Fall Into Disharmony
Let’s call it out: silos, chaos, and “parallel play” (everyone doing their own thing) are the enemies of progress. When your team lacks alignment:
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Resources get wasted on drama, not delivery
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Productivity tanks because everyone’s priorities are different
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You spend more time firefighting than leading
And let’s not even talk about the marketing dollars lost when your messaging isn’t part of the big picture strategy!
The 3-Step Harmony Blueprint
1. Recognise the Real Costs
Start by getting honest about where disharmony is draining your energy, time, and money.
Pro tip: Run a quick weekly huddle—three minutes, everyone shares their top priority. You’ll spot misalignment (and drama magnets) fast.
2. Move from Firefighting to Forward Planning
Ditch the reactive mode. Schedule monthly alignment meetings with your key players. Map out the vision, get everyone’s input, and make sure every project ladders up to your shared goal.
3. Use the Team Harmony Matrix
Visual tools change the game. The Team Harmony Matrix helps you map out where your team sits:
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Chaos: Everyone’s busy, but not together
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Silos: Working hard, but alone
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Parallel Play: Aware of the vision, but not collaborating
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Harmony: Aligned, collaborating, and moving forward
Download your free Team Harmony Matrix here and start mapping your team’s strengths, gaps, and opportunities for alignment.
Practical Tips for Real-World Harmony
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Run effective weekly huddles, short, sharp, and focused on alignment
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Hold monthly “big picture” meetings to keep everyone rowing in the same direction
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Make your Team Harmony Matrix visible and update it regularly
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Celebrate team wins and progress publicly!
Your Turn: Self-Reflection Challenge
Ask yourself:
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Where are the silos or chaos in my team right now?
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Am I being proactive or just putting out fires?
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What’s one thing I can do this week to move my team closer to true harmony?
Want a guided walkthrough of the Team Harmony Matrix or help with the “messy people stuff”? Check out my services here.
Pay It Forward
The best leaders don’t just build harmony—they teach it. Share this newsletter with a fellow leader who’s stuck in firefighting mode. Start a conversation about what true team harmony could look like for you both.
Remember: Team harmony isn’t about sacrificing yourself—it’s about setting your team (and yourself) up to win.
Check out my Youtube video on this topic below.
Until next time, lead authentically from within.
Liz
P.S. Hit reply and tell me—what’s your biggest struggle with team harmony? Your story might inspire the next newsletter.
Ready to transform your team from chaos to collaboration? Download your free Team Harmony Matrix and start building a team that rows together, not apart.
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