Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Like it or not, all teams are potentially dysfunctional. This is inevitable because they are made up of fallible, imperfect human beings.
Fortunately, there is hope. Counter to conventional wisdom, the causes of dysfunction are both identifiable and curable; but it requires both courage and discipline.
Is Your Team Dysfunctional?
To begin improving your team and to better understand the level of dysfunction you are facing, ask yourself these simple questions:
- Do team members openly and readily disclose their opinions?
- Are team meetings compelling and productive?
- Does the team come to decisions quickly and avoid getting bogged down by consensus?
- Do team members confront one another about their shortcomings?
- Do team members sacrifice their own interests for the good of the team?
Although no team is perfect and even the best teams sometimes struggle with one or more of these issues, the finest organizations constantly work to ensure that their answers are “yes.” If you answered “no” to many of these questions, your team may need some work.
The first step toward reducing politics and confusion within your team is to understand that there are five dysfunctions to contend with, and address each that applies, one by one.
THE FIVE DYSFUNCTIONS
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Absence of Trust
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Fear of Conflict
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Lack of Commitment
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Avoidance of Accountability
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Inattention to Results
Our Solution
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team online team assessment is the definitive tool for leaders looking to make their teams more cohesive and effective. It provides teams with practical, usable data that will help address their most critical issues and begin to make tangible progress right away. This assessment can be retaken again at some point in the future; a progress report can then be provided comparing the initial results to current so you can see how the team is doing in each of the areas related to a high-functioning team.
The initial assessment is usually accompanied by a ~2-hour debrief and discussion session to help guide how to focus the work to support a cohesive, effective team. It is frequently used as a precursor to one of our other team-based programs.
RESULTS
RESULTS
ACCOUNTABILITY
ACCOUNTABILITY
COMMITMENT
COMMITMENT
CONFLICT
CONFLICT
TRUST
TRUST
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DYSFUNCTION #1: ABSENCE OF TRUST
The fear of being vulnerable prevents team members from building trust with each other.
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DYSFUNCTION #2: FEAR OF CONFLICT
The desire to preserve artificial harmony stifles productive ideological conflict within the team.
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DYSFUNCTION #3: LACK OF COMMITMENT
The lack of clarity and/or buy-in prevents team members from making decisions they stick to.
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DYSFUNCTION #4: AVOIDANCE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
The need to avoid interpersonal discomfort prevents team members from holding each other accountable for their behaviors and performance.
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DYSFUNCTION #5: INATTENTION TO RESULTS
The pursuit of individual goals and personal status erodes the team's focus on collective success.
This tool was developed by Pat Lencioni and the Table Group. As a member of the Consultant and Practitioner Alliance, Dr. Rosie is certified to offer consulting services based on his model.
Benefits of Strong, Cohesive Teams
Be more productive, effective, and time-efficient
Tap into the skills and opinions of all members
Create a competitive advantage for the organization
