An interesting measure of a team is its members’ willingness to learn together. One way to observe that willingness is to notice how they deal with fear.

How willing are they to share bad news, share something others might already have shared, ask questions repeatedly, explore how others react to their opinions, etc.?

Or said differently, how much discomfort are they willing to bear in remaining silent or speaking up? How much comfort do they seek whenever there is something they’d like to speak to?

Discomfort always hints at fear. Preferring comfort over discomfort is a sign that vulnerability doesn’t seem possible. It’s a boundary that has been set. One that chooses comfort or safety over learning.

The choice isn’t bad in itself. However, it does hint at how people act and feel within the team.