
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.