Why Most Teams Fail (And How Radical Collaboration Flips the Script)

From Blame and Defensiveness to Trust and High Performance

Every organization has its share of failed projects, missed deadlines, and broken relationships. But why do so many teams—no matter how talented—fall into the same traps? The answer, says Radical Collaboration, lies in the invisible dynamics of trust, defensiveness, and accountability.

Let’s start with the basics: The Zones. The Red Zone is where teams get stuck in blame, aggression, and win-lose thinking. The Pink Zone is sneakier—on the surface, everyone is polite, but real issues are buried, and resentment festers. Only in the Green Zone do teams experience true openness, trust, and collaboration.



Defensiveness is the silent killer of teams. It’s not just about snapping back or shutting down; it’s a physiological response rooted in fear. The body reacts before the mind even catches up, making it nearly impossible to think creatively or solve problems. The Pink Zone, meanwhile, creates a false sense of harmony. People avoid conflict, but issues go unresolved, leading to passive-aggressive behaviors and chronic underperformance.

Radical Collaboration teaches teams to spot these patterns and shift intentionally into the Green Zone. It starts with self-awareness—knowing your own triggers, signs of defensiveness, and the stories you tell yourself about others. The book’s Personal Early Warning System is a practical tool for catching defensiveness before it spirals out of control.



The next step is self-accountability. Teams that blame others give away their power to change. By owning your choices and exploring hidden payoffs, you unlock the freedom to act differently. Real-world case studies show how teams have used these skills to move from blame and stagnation to rapid innovation and trust.

Finally, Radical Collaboration equips teams with the tools to practice openness and psychological safety. Truth-telling becomes the norm, and feedback is seen as a gift, not a threat. The result? Teams that not only survive conflict but use it as a catalyst for growth.



In a world where most teams fail for the same hidden reasons, Radical Collaboration offers a fresh script—one that any group can follow to build a culture of trust, resilience, and high performance.