8.5: Team Dysfunctions

Lencioni Model: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

In his book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Lencioni (2002) outlines five common problems teams experience that impact their effectiveness: lack of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. These are things to consider as you are placed in a group or team environment. 

Here are the five elements of what Lencioni (2002) posits every team needs to be successful:

1. Trust: The premise of the book is that teams need trust for any team to function, trust that the other members of the group have the best intentions.  If team members do not trust each other, they are unlikely to take risks or ask for help. A lack of trust means a low level of comfort that makes it difficult to communicate and perform effectively as a team

2. Conflict: Teams need to be ok with healthy conflict, task-related content that is.  Avoiding conflict can lead to an artificial “peace” at the expense of progress and innovation. Conflict is a normal part of teamwork and can be very productive if managed effectively.  This includes sharing ideas openly and honestly, discussing the pros and cons of those ideas without taking things personally or treating each other poorly. As discussed earlier, relationship conflict is not so healthy. 

3. Commitment: Teams need commitment, to show up, and show up in a way that says you’re willing to try your hardest for the project and the team. If team members do not commit to doing the work, do not follow through on decisions or tasks, do not meet deadlines, and let their teammates down, ultimately, it will affect the success of the whole project.

4. Accountability: Team members have to be ok with holding others accountable, for their work, attitudes, and contributions.  If someone was assigned a deliverable and the date it was due has passed, the team feels comfortable saying “Hey, do you have this?  We needed this completed yesterday.”

5. Results: Finally, the team needs to pay attention to results.  Are you meeting your goals?  And if not, look into why you’re not meeting your goals so that you can meet your goals next time. When team members focus on personal goals instead of project goals, they lose sight of the expected results that measure the success of the project. Not focusing on the results during the process means that no one is planning how to improve those results.

If you are looking for some ongoing learnings as you continue in your business and professional roles, checkout this book and concept.