If you want to
build a successful team for your business, you need to avoid the five causes of
team dysfunction. Patrick Lencioni, a leadership expert and organizational
consultant, shares the five team dysfunctions and what you should do about
each.
1.
Absence of trust. “Team members need to be able to admit their weaknesses and
mistakes, to acknowledge the strengths of others, and to apologize when they do
something wrong.”
2.
Fear of conflict. “Great teams argue. Not in a mean-spirited or personal way, but
they disagree when important decisions are made.” Avoiding conflict only leads
to mediocrity.
3.
Lack of commitment. “When team members openly share opinions on a decision, they
don’t wonder whether anyone is holding back. When the leader has to step in and
make a decision, team members will accept that decision because they know their
ideas were heard and considered.”
4.
Avoidance of accountability. “The best kind of
accountability on a team is peer-to-peer. Peer pressure is more efficient and
effective than going to the leader, anonymously complaining and having them
stop what they are doing to intervene. Members of great teams confront each
other when they see something that isn’t serving the team.”
5.
Inattention to results. “Team members have to be focused on the
collective good of the team. Too often, they focus their attention on their
department, their budget, their career aspirations, their egos. Great teams put
the tangible results of the team ahead of their individual needs.”
