The Five Enemies That Destroy Unity

By Joseph Hunt, PLS, PE, President & Founder, JHA Companies

At JHA Companies, unity isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. I’ll be the first to say that everything I’ve learned about cultivating unity, I’ve learned from someone else. From mentors and teammates to lessons in Dave Ramsey’s EntreLeadership Master Series, I’ve been handed tools to protect what matters most—our people, our purpose, and the integrity of our team.

Think of a team like a group of draft horses pulling a heavy load. If one horse pulls to the side or starts lagging, the whole team feels the drag and the strain increases for everyone. But when all the horses pull in sync—strong, steady, and aligned—the team becomes unstoppable. One horse can pull 4 tons, two who are unified strangers can pull 12 tons and a matched pair can pull 16 tons!!

But unity doesn’t happen by accident, and like Dave, I do not know what creates it but I do know what destroys it! So, what are these enemies? And how do we defend against them?

1. Gossip

Gossip is a silent killer. It may seem harmless at first—just venting, just sharing—but it slowly erodes trust and poisons relationships. Dave Ramsey calls it a form of disloyalty. At JHA, we challenge each other to “hand negatives up and positives down.” If you’ve got an issue, take it to someone who can help solve it—not someone who can only sympathize. Gossip doesn’t unify; it divides. We can’t afford that.

2. Poor Communication

It’s been said that clarity is kindness and nowhere is that more true than on a team. Miscommunication—or worse, a lack of communication—creates confusion, frustration, and misalignment. Communication is the grease that keeps the gears turning. Whether it’s a five-minute face-to-face, a phone call, or a carefully written summary, our aim is to be clear, timely, and intentional. We don’t always get it right, but we keep striving. Communication isn’t just a skill, it’s a discipline—one I’m still learning every day.

3. Unresolved Disagreements

Disagreements are inevitable. But unresolved disagreements? That’s a choice—and a dangerous one. When conflict goes unaddressed, it festers. It becomes resentment. It slows progress and damages morale. At JHA, we encourage healthy conflict. We invite hard conversations. If something’s gnawing at you, say so. Better to work through a mess than pretend it isn’t there.

4. Lack of Shared Purpose

If we’re not rowing in the same direction, we’re not a team. When we rally around a common “why,” amazing things happen. Unity demands a shared vision, shared values, and shared goals. At JHA, our mission is clear: to serve our clients and each other by pursuing excellence, leading others to success, and honoring God in all we do. Everything we do flows from that.

5. Sanctioned Incompetence

This one might be the hardest of all, but it’s critical. If someone on the team isn’t pulling their weight—and leadership does nothing about it—the whole team suffers. High performers lose motivation. Trust in leadership falters. At JHA, we hold each other accountable—not harshly, but clearly. Everyone is expected to grow, contribute, and pursue excellence. Grace is always present, but so is truth. We don’t lower the standard; we raise the bar. Unity is one of the most powerful forces in any organization. When it’s present, teams move faster, trust runs deeper, and people bring their best. But unity must be protected. These five enemies are subtle, but they’re real—and it’s on all of us to keep them in check. Let’s keep showing up, speaking up, and stepping up for one another. When we protect unity, we strengthen our culture—and everyone wins