“Human angle” is very important in team work. When we are technically, scientifically sound with too much education, we try & ignore this during initial years of corporate life.
It takes years of experience to understand this. It takes lot of observation, lot of reflection, opportunity to be part of mix team, to lead a team & to resolve a challenging situation to learn this perspective. INSEAD had module to sensitise this in class room.
20 years back MacD was new to India & a premium brand. In a small HQ team meeting during a lunch break there was a discussion about team member’s habits. One of the very senior guy commented about an expectation of another senior guy. He told that we have to specially send office car to fetch a MacD burger for this senior team member every day while other seniors are happy with morning Poha-Idli. Implying that most other are better team players, better leaders. Also, that guy may not be fit for a role as he may not be in position to do cost control.
How a habit of snacks in the morning is developing perception & decision making.
The answer from the senior most guy was ignore it, look at his upbringing, look at his family background, accept diversity in team.
Leader needs to remove bias & manage team.