HEADLINES 

• People can share common goals for different reasons (ulterior motives) 
• Ulterior motives can threaten team dynamics
• When motives are in conflict, trust erodes and disagreements surge 

Example

People may agree that completing a project ahead of schedule is in their mutual best interest. They share a common goal! That's the good news. But, ulterior motives can get in the way.

Some want to be ahead of schedule so they can take time off, while others want to be ahead of schedule so they can quickly transition to other projects. These motives can be in conflict. 

Those that want to move on to other projects may view those wanting to take time off as slackers. The "slackers" may view the others as "kiss asses".

They want the same thing but for different reasons. Trust erodes and disagreements surge.