The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

A Leadership Fable

By Patrick M. Lencioni

The book "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" introduces the idea that teams naturally encounter hurdles, and it takes intentional effort to cultivate exceptional teamwork. A savvy team leader can significantly enhance the effectiveness of their team by using the strategic approaches detailed in the book.

About the author

Patrick Lencioni heads The Table Group, a firm specializing in management consulting. His other popular titles include "Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team," "Death by Meeting," and "Silos, Politics and Turf Wars." In 2008, he was recognized by CNN Money as one of the "ten new gurus you should know."

Master the art of team building

Working with others to achieve significant goals quickly demonstrates the essential, yet challenging nature of teamwork. Effective teamwork doesn't just happen; it’s the result of focused and consistent effort. This challenge stems from the inherent dysfunctions within teams: composed of individuals with their own egos and personal agendas, teams often lack trust (1), which leads to a reluctance to engage in constructive conflicts (2), a deficit in commitment (3), a lack of accountability (4), and, ultimately, poor outcomes (5).

Fortunately, excellent teamwork can be cultivated using specific tools and principles. It's vital for team leaders to understand how to apply these methods effectively. For instance, leaders should foster trust among team members to promote open conflict and debate. Setting clear, collective goals and monitoring progress helps maintain focus, while leaders themselves must exemplify stellar teamwork.

The book explores several critical questions about teamwork, such as:

• Why should teams concentrate on collective success, even when comprised of outstanding individuals?

• Why is trust foundational, necessitating that team members openly share their vulnerabilities and errors?

• How can leaders encourage a shift from individual accolades to shared team victories?