The Five Dysfunctions of Teams

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team By Patrick Lencioni outlines the root causes of politics and dysfunction on the teams where you work and the keys to overcoming them. Counter to conventional wisdom, the causes of dysfunction are both identifiable and curable. However, they don't die easily. Making a team functional and cohesive requires levels of courage and discipline that many groups cannot seem to muster.

• Dysfunction #1: Absence of Trust

  The fear of being vulnerable with team members prevents the building of trust within the team.

• Dysfunction #2: Fear of Conflict

  The desire to preserve artificial harmony stifles the occurrence of productive ideological conflict.

• Dysfunction #3: Lack of Commitment

  The lack of clarity or buy-in prevents team members from making decisions they will stick to.

• Dysfunction #4: Avoidance of Accountability

  The need to avoid interpersonal discomfort prevents team members from holding one another accountable.

• Dysfunction #5: Inattention to Results

  The pursuit of individual goals and personal status erodes the focus on collective success.