The chaos that ensues from less than full participation in the problem-solving process provides an opportunity for people with dominant personalities to impose solutions that may not be right. Unfortunately, coworkers often accept an idea that seems right simply because it came from someone who sounds right.

Things often go wrong when those engaged in data gathering fail to support each other through the process of discovery—here are just a few samples of what can happen.

• Frustration levels grow when people work independently on different tasks that should be coordinated. The collective agenda should provide clear direction. If the individuals don’t work together, the result will be chaotic and confusing.

• Ambitious people will take advantage of the chaos to promote their own agendas. They may use the distraction to gain an advantage over a coworker who is competing for advancement.

• When people duplicate tasks and projects, energy is wasted. Coworkers may be working independently on the same thing but unaware of the duplication because they are not discussing it openly.

• Disagreements occur regularly because of the lack of open communication. Coworkers are quick to disparage each other when things go wrong, because somebody must take the blame.

• Unexpected problems arise simply because of the chaos. Colleagues can’t recall who agreed to do what. Problems thought to have been resolved resurface. Quick fixes replace carefully thought-out solutions and past mistakes are repeated.

When coworkers don’t share what they know, it becomes unclear what needs to be done by whom and by when. Without common objectives, individuals, who conceived projects on their own, risk wasting time and energy.

The chaos that ensues from less than full participation in the problem-solving process provides an opportunity for people with dominant personalities to impose solutions that may not be right. Unfortunately, coworkers often accept an idea that seems right simply because it came from someone who sounds right.