I find the simplicity of Patrick’s Lencioni’s “Five Dysfunctions of a Team” to be magical. The process that is outlined can be used by anyone – whether an internal organizational manager, or an external coach and consultant. In our fast paced world, Lencioni’s insights force a team to slow down, look at themselves and how they are functioning (or not), and make the adjustments needed to become high functioning.

The book is a start for those who may want to use the process outlined with a team. Five Dysfunctions became a NY Times bestseller several years ago, and the author saw the need to create additional material that can assist in delivering the program. Even though the book might be considered “dated” (copyright 2002), the model and material are timeless. The model encourages us to look at the five dysfunctions described briefly as follows:

1. Absence of Trust: Members of great teams trust one another on a basic emotional level, and are willing to be vulnerable to other team members about their weaknesses, mistakes, fears, and behaviors.
2. Fear of Conflict: Great teams are not afraid to engage in conflict through dialog around issues and decisions that are key to the organization’s success.
3. Lack of Commitment: Buy-in around important decisions can be achieved by great teams, even when they disagree initially, through assuring that everyone is heard.
4. Avoidance of Accountability: The standards of performance agreed to by the team allow them to hold one another accountable for adherence to those standards.
5. Inattention to Results: Great teams can set aside individual needs and agendas in order to focus on what is best for the organization.

Somehow, I ended up with an extra copy of the book, written in “fable” format. If you haven’t read it, it will provide you with a basic idea of the simple process Lencioni advocates. If you really like it, you’ll want to use it with your own team and possibly purchase ancillary materials (workbook, facilitator’s guide, video, etc.). Or – just maybe – you’d like to bring me in to facilitate the process for you and your team!

In any event, respond here by May 8 and you’ll be registered to recieve my extra copy of “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” based on my purely subjective decision about who leaves the most interesting comment about Great Teams they’ve known or participated in.

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