team disease n. Any of a number of clearly identifiable conditions that exist within the team but are generally not evident in any of its members in isolation.

A classic example of a team disease is the "gentleman's agreement", a sort of mutually agreed upon, but unspoken, agreement between two parties that "if you don't mention my weak spot, I won't mention yours". By definition, such a problem can manifest itself only when the two parties are in the presence of a third.

In general, the notion of the team disease existing only in the group and not in its individual members goes along with the perception of the team as an independent entity, much like a person unto itself, with its own personality, character, strengths and weaknesses.

Men Core Values

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