Are You a Caveman? (Coworkers Against Virtually Everything)

We’ve all had that coworker. You know the one—constantly resisting change, pushing back on every new initiative, and generally making collaboration a challenge. No matter how great the idea, they seem to have a reason why it won’t work. Welcome to the world of the C.A.V.E. dwellers—Coworkers Against Virtually Everything.

Commitment is one of the key pillars of a strong organization, but what happens when someone isn’t truly committed? What happens when they aren’t rowing in the same direction as the team? That’s when you run into the Caveman problem.

Commitment: The Third C of the 5C’s

Commitment is a crucial element of high-performing teams, and it’s the third pillar of our 5C’s framework. Without it, even the best strategies and visions fall apart. A team thrives when everyone is fully committed to their role and the collective mission. But when someone lacks commitment, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it can disrupt progress and morale.

Why Are They a Caveman?

There are three key reasons someone might fall into this category:

1. They lack the ability to execute.

They don’t have the skills or knowledge to fulfill their role, so they become disruptive as a defense mechanism. Think about a student in school who struggles to grasp the material—they might act out simply because they don’t know how to succeed. In the workplace, this looks like missed deadlines, constant excuses, and negativity.

2. They are out of position.

It might look like they aren’t committed, but the real issue is that they aren’t in a role that aligns with their strengths. When someone is in the wrong seat, they can feel disengaged, unmotivated, or even resistant to change. However, with the right shift, they could become a valuable asset to the team.

3. They are a bad apple.

Some individuals simply don’t fit the vision or culture. Instead of adapting, they actively work against the organization, causing disruption and pulling others down with them. Like a virus, their negativity can spread, weakening the team’s commitment and overall effectiveness.

What Happens Next?

The best organizations don’t tolerate Cavemen—they recognize them and take action. When commitment is a core value, team members naturally call out behaviors that go against the shared vision. One of three things typically happens:

• The Caveman adjusts. With the right feedback and support, they get back in alignment and start contributing positively.
• The team moves them out. When commitment is strong, the group won’t allow a disruptive force to remain. If someone consistently rows in the wrong direction, they’ll be shown the door.
• The Caveman self-selects out. If they realize they don’t fit and don’t want to change, they’ll naturally decide to move on.

The Bottom Line: Commitment Matters

A high-performing team is one where everyone is fully committed to the vision, their role, and the collective success. Cavemen—whether due to lack of ability, misalignment, or negativity—stand in the way of progress. The question is, do you recognize them? And more importantly, does your team have the belief, courage, and commitment to address them?

If you’re facing Cavemen in your organization, it might be time for a new approach. Let’s talk about how the 5C’s—especially Commitment—can keep your team aligned and moving forward.

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