What could potentially hinder team cohesion?

Conflicting goals could significantly hinder team cohesion because they create a rift in the team's shared purpose and objectives. When team members have differing or opposing goals, it can lead to misunderstandings, lack of cooperation, and an overall fragmented team dynamic. Cohesion relies on a common direction where all members feel aligned and committed to achieving the same outcomes. When conflicts arise from divergent goals, it often results in tension and a decrease in collaborative efforts, which are essential for fostering trust and unity among team members.

In contrast, clear communication, shared responsibilities, and established norms are factors that generally strengthen team cohesion. Clear communication fosters understanding and alignment among team members, shared responsibilities encourage collaboration and collective effort, and established norms help create an environment of trust and predictability, all of which are fundamental to a cohesive team.