Negative humor is used to control others. Discounts and put-downs are the norm, which serve as a warning to conform or become a target. Power and performance reviews are one-way. The messenger gets shot, if not overtly then covertly through body language or other subtle but pow- erful messages. However, those shooting the messenger deny their behavior.
Denial is the norm as blame is projected on others.
Crisis management is seen as necessary. Addictions such as control, workaholism and perfectionism infect all levels of the organization. Trust at the Independent Level On the most positive level, at this stage we learn to trust ourselves to take responsibility, honor our commitments, and become accountable for more than ourselves. As a team leader, we work to learn how to clarify responsibility, plan, delegate and evaluate regularly. However, when we get stuck at this level, we do all these supervisory tasks putting our own personal needs first.