All teams inevitably face dysfunction, a byproduct of being comprised of fallible, imperfect human beings. Whether on the basketball court or in the executive suite, politics and confusion are more the norm than the exception. At the top of an organization, addressing dysfunction is particularly critical, as the executive team sets the tone for how all employees collaborate. A founder of a billion-dollar company once emphasized the power of teamwork, stating that, “with aligned efforts, an organization could dominate any industry.” Despite the seeming impossibility, the causes of dysfunction are both identifiable and treatable, requiring levels of courage and discipline that many groups struggle to muster.
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Pat’s book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, is the world's definitive guide for building healthy teams. Packed full of practical information in an easy-to-read fable, the book, along with the help of our consulting services, have helped countless teams all over the world.
The Model
DYSFUNCTION #1: ABSENCE OF TRUST
The fear of being vulnerable prevents team members from building trust with each other.
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.
DYSFUNCTION #4: AVOIDANCE OF ACCOUNTABILITY
The need to avoid interpersonal discomfort prevents team members from holding each other accountable for their behaviors and performance.
DYSFUNCTION #5: INATTENTION TO RESULTS
The pursuit of individual goals and personal status erodes the team's focus on collective success.
Team Assessment
Our Online Team Assessment, rooted in The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, is a proven tool used by half a million leaders. It simplifies team building with 42 questions and a color-coded report, offering practical insights for immediate progress, making it an ideal starting point for overcoming dysfunction and unlocking team potential.​
