5 Dysfunctions of a Team

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni can be an extremely useful tool of organizational growth, enabling teams to speak the same language, develop, and hit agreed upon results. The tool focuses on what happens when teams are missing key functional elements and the direct impact on results. To reduce misunderstandings and confusion on a team, it is important to understand there are five dysfunctions, and each dysfunction must be addressed individually

Absence of trust—unwilling to be vulnerable within the group

Fear of conflict—seeking artificial harmony over constructive passionate debate

Lack of commitment- pretending buy-in for group decisions creates ambiguity

Avoidance of accountability—ducking the responsibility to call peers, superiors on counterproductive behavior which sets low standards

Inattention to results—focusing on personal success, status and ego before team success

Like many tools, this one provides a framework for leaders to set a positive tone and encourage the team to be open about their weaknesses, encourage healthy conflict, hold themselves and others accountable, set standards, and clearly communicate the team’s results.