[c]

A blame environment looks back to the past and does not allow opportunity for problem resolution or team development. Developing a no-blame environment will focus on solving the problem and encourage better (and more creative) team working.

Remember that mistakes will always happen; the only way to avoid mistakes is not to do anything at all. However, it is important to learn from mistakes and not repeat them. This will only happen in an environment where people will not be blamed, so that they can take responsibility for their actions and be encouraged to find a solution.

Read the statements below and tick either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for each one.  

Statement	Yes	No
When something goes wrong there must always be someone identified to take the blame
Problems that arise are not discussed, they are ‘hushed up’
People rarely own up to getting things wrong
There is a general lack of motivation in the team
For the majority of the time people talk in negative ways
There is a competitive, rather than a co-operative, atmosphere amongst team members
Information is guarded and not shared freely
When problems are identified, there is a general lack of creativity in finding a solution
Several team members have left the project early
Mistakes that come to light are seen as disastrous or negative (they are not viewed as an opportunity to learn)

 

If there are more ‘yes’ than ‘no’ answers, now might be the time to consider making changes to a more open and honest way of working.